Three pupils from Ramsey Academy have won an essay writing competition about taking part in a Greenfield Housing Association scheme.

Around 20 pupils have volunteered to teach some of Greenfields’ older residents how to get online, in exchange for the residents sharing stories about their own lives as teenagers, helped by their new ability to search the internet to instantly find images and videos to bring their stories to life.

They then entered an essay writing competition about the Community Connect scheme, held in conjunction with residents of Symonds Court and the Gladys Malpass House Older Persons’ Scheme in Halstead.

Sholanda Baker and Leanne Bedlow, both 15, and 13-year-old Ashley Mills each won shopping vouchers, which were presented to them by Phil Adams, Greenfields’ Chief Executive after they won the competition.

Sholanda said: “Overall it was an eye-opening experience of what we take for granted.

“I would love to carry on the course as I’m enjoying it very much as I’m developing as a person, learning more about the history of the world through their eyes.”

Leanne plans to use her volunteering experience to go towards her Duke of Edinburgh award, whilst Ashley is equally enthusiastic about the project.

She said: “I love to help elderly people with anything I can, but to tell them about the internet was amazing.

“I feel like I have helped people to experience what the internet is actually like.”

One resident who has been attending Greenfields’ Be Connected workshops, said: “Since attending the workshops, I have learnt how to email my friends and family, see where my lifelong penfriends live by using Google Maps and, at our next session, I am going to learn how to Skype my son in Australia.

“I never thought I would be able to do any of these things – I am so proud and can’t thank everyone enough.”