'A BRILLIANT community link' was formed as the St Edmunds under nine's football team visited elderly people of a nearby care home.

Residents of the Abingdon-based Bridge House facility enjoyed the company of the children last Saturday, who wanted to thank them for their generous sponsorship.

In April last year the care home donated £1,000 to the Abingdon team for young people aged between five and 17.

One of the children Tanay Rao read out a 'heartwarming' speech on behalf of the team, thanking their benefactors for the support.

ALSO READ: Cyclist taken to hospital following accident last night

Oxford Mail:

Players Finley Ridge and Lucas Nash also presented residents Colin Bladon and Jean Underwood with a framed team photo.

Mr Bladon, who is a former football player and coach, tested his ball skills last year during the children's initial visit when the team was presented with the check.

The 78-year-old resident of Bridge House enjoyed a kick about with St Edmunds U8’s team and proved his age is just a number.

Father of one of the children Philip Nash, who accompanied the team to the care home, said: "Despite it being generous from the care home, it was lovely to see so many elderly people really enjoying seeing these young boys happy and smiling and just wanting to hear about them running around kicking a ball and having fun.

ALSO READ: Watch out for hoax 'police' calls

Oxford Mail:

The children were then invited for a 'cinema' evening with popcorn and drinks once the football season is over.

Last year, the Abingdon home also received an 'outstanding' rating from health inspectors following a surprise visit.

When the Care Quality Commission examined whether Bridge House's services were safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led, it concluded there was 'excellent leadership' in place and a structure that 'supported staff at each level'.

The report added there were 'high levels of satisfaction' across all staff.