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The course aims to give less academic children a chance to gain key skills to improve their jobs hopes including problem solving and use of information and computer technology.

More than 100 elderly people, including people from local residential homes and children's grandparents, have been invited to the party on Tuesday, December 18, with pupils organising everything from invitations to bingo sessions and cooking.

Party co-ordinator David Allbutt, said: "The local shops and businesses have been absolutely fantastic in their support. We have some great prizes."

In January the pupils will also be providing planters and carrying out improvements in and around elderly people's homes in Blackley. Year 8 pupils have already delivered food parcels to homes in time for Christmas.

The scheme is being part-funded by the City Council's Operational Services division, and the World Mental Health Day campaign has provided funds for plants, equipment and other materials.

Work Related Learning co-ordinator Maureen Brettell said: "Young people often get a bad press in Blackley. We see this as a chance to show our senior citizens that we value the part they have to play in the local community."