YOUNG and old joined together as students hosted a tea party in Dorchester.

For the third year in a row pupils from the Thomas Hardye School pulled out all the stops to lay on an afternoon of entertainment for volunteers for the Royal Voluntary Service's Home Library Service in Dorchester and people who receive their books.

More than 40 people attended the event and it was hailed as the best yet.

Year 13 student Emma Schwier and a team of around 30 fellow sixth form students organised the tea party, which saw the sixth form quiet study room transformed into a café with tablecloths, handmade paper flowers, balloons and other decorations.

Each guest was personally welcome as they arrived and show to their seat before being provided with tea or coffee and delicious homemade cakes.

There was a musical background throughout the afternoon courtesy of a piano player and many personal conversations took place between the students and their guests.

The event was rounded off with the draw of a free raffle.

Maria Jacobson, service manager for the Royal Voluntary Service's home library service, said that the tea party keeps getting better each year.

She said: "Mor than 40 people attended the party, and really enjoyed the event, including a large group of residents from the Badbury Care Home on Weymouth Avenue, who were escorted to the school and back by a group of students."

There was even more reason to celebrate on the afternoon as Mayor of Dorchester Peter Mann and his wife Sheila attended to present a long service award to one of the Royal Voluntary Service's dedicated volunteers.

George Harries was presented with the award in recognition of 27 years of volunteering for the organisation.

The Royal Voluntary Service supports older people in the community through a range of services like the home library service, which delivers books to those who are unable to get to a library, and befriending.

The service recently changes its name from the Women's Royal Voluntary Service to mark its 75th anniversary and to reflect the fact it is now inclusive of men as well as women.

For more information on the services it provides locally or how to support the organisation call 01305 236666.