DURING the past week, I have had the pleasure of celebrating the success of two very different partnerships with local schools.

Smithills School, through its celebrated brass bands, has offered local older people the opportunity to learn to play a variety of brass instruments. This led to the formation of the Age Concern Brass Ensemble, which recently gave its first public performance, under the inspirational leadership of Chris Wormald, as part of this school's inaugural Arts Festival. What an evening!

Turton High School, through its equally celebrated Media Arts College, provides opportunities for older and younger people to meet together, to exchange views, share experiences and learn about, and from, each other.

Both initiatives have proved to be hugely successful, thanks to the schools' commitment. The real success of each has been the opportunity to break down the barriers of suspicion and ignorance which too often separate the generations, to challenge stereotypes and to discover the joy of mutual respect and trust.

I know the worth of older people. These initiatives have opened my eyes to the worth of younger people too. We have much to celebrate and look forward to in Bolton!

Gareth Evans

Chief Officer, Age Concern

Ashburner Street

Bolton