CHILDREN were joined by nearby Kidderminster residents for a special Easter lunch and celebration.

Franche Community Primary School staff cooked a full roast dinner for the visitors while the school choir sang and pupils danced to traditional Irish folk music.

One of the visitors, Mrs Edna Owen, is 90 on Easter Monday and children and visitors joined together to sing Happy Birthday.

Robert Aikman, nine, said: "It gave me a nice warm feeling to see Mrs Owen. I enjoyed singing Happy Birthday and shouting three cheers for her."

Victoria Forrester, catering manager, said: "We were delighted to bring the community into school and have the opportunity of giving something back to our neighbours.

"Community is very important to us and we hope to have more opportunities to invite local residents into school during 2008."

Netty Taylor, Franche Tenants Community Council chairman, who was working in partnership with the school, said: "It's been absolutely fantastic.

"The staff have made every effort to make us welcome and we've had a lovely time."