PUPILS at Minehead Middle School had an insight into the lives of another generation when members of the local University of the Third Age (U3A) dropped in for tea and cakes.

Group members were given a tour of the school before meeting year eight youngsters to tell them about their life stories.

The visit was part of a school biography project, which aimed to overcome stereotypes and bring young and older members of the community together.

Headteacher Paul Rushforth said many of Minehead's residents had led rich and fascinating lives and the children had been writing to U3A members before meeting to talk to them in person.

He said: "There were some truly inspiring stories and our pupils had a real surprise.

"As one boy out it to me - 'I would never have thought that an old lady could be having such an amazing life'."

The pupils will be writing about their visitors for a special exhibition of life stories next month.

Dunster county councillor Christine Lawrence was also among the visitors helping the children and gave £250 from her community budget towards the cost of the project.

U3A members Paul Gliddon and Heather Walker are pictured with students Holly Green, Courtney Jones and Terri Watts.

Photo: Steve Guscott