RESIDENTS at a care home have been learning the art of watercolour techniques thanks to a club run by St Albans School's Partnership programme.

The Partnership and Community Link schemes were set up a number of years ago and now include ten primary schools from across the district, including several for pupils with special needs and homes for the elderly.

The Verulam House nursing home project is one of many the programme runs with the community. It is managed by one of the school's art teachers, Kumel Lillian. She visits the house every Tuesday afternoon and teaches painting techniques to residents.

Kumel said: "Not many art teachers, I am sure, can say they have 100-year-olds in their class. It has been an absolute privilege and enormous fun."

The first set of landscape paintings created by residents have been framed for them to display in their rooms.

Tanya Mateer, activities organiser at Verulam House, said: "The art club has been very successful. It has built on residents' confidence and given them something to look forward to. Regardless of their health, needs and age, they have produced some wonderful pieces."