YOUNGSTERS who have been teaching elderly students how to use an iPad in a bid to tackle social isolation have been recognised for their community service.

In a ceremony at the Menstone Club in Menston, last Thursday, the seven teenage 'teachers' were presented with Outstanding Community Service award certificates by the chairman of the Menston Community Association (MCA), Quentin Mackenzie

More than 30 guests, including parents, 'students' and sponsors of the MCA project, attended the ceremony.

The young teachers have been showing elderly 'students' how to use an iPad or other tablet to keep in touch with distant family and friends at weekly one hour sessions at the club since last May in a project named 'eggs2iPads'.

Although there is now a winter break in the sessions at the request of the 'students', they will resume in March. So far teachers have ranged from 13 to 15 years-old; students have been aged between 60 and 90.

Introducing the youngsters, project leader Roger Livesey thanked the four sponsors: Lloyds Bank Community Fund, the Olicana Lodge in Ilkley, Fixit Computers of Menston and the Menstone club in Farnley Road which provides the WiFi equipped venue for sessions free of charge.

He also thanked his MCA colleague, Tony Joint, for his support at sessions; a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) cleared adult is always in attendance although all the teaching is done by the youngsters.

"But most of all we must thank these wonderful youngsters who have not only shared their expertise in using modern technology to help tackle a major problem in society today, elderly isolation, but made the project unique in that it provides an opportunity for two widely spaced generations to meet regularly, which all the students have said they really appreciate", Mr Livesey told the guests.

As until now some of the young teachers have been Menston Explorer Scouts, they attended in their Explorer uniforms with scout leaders, who were also thanked for their support. The teachers are all students at local schools: St Mary's Menston, Guiseley School, Bradford Grammar School and Prince Henry's in Otley.

The project is now looking for additional young teachers between 12 and 17 so that attendance can be on a rota to cope with GCSE and other requirements.

New students are always welcome. E-mail Roger Livesey at: menston.village.wharfedale@gmail.com or phone Jane Pratt at Menston Cares on 01943 876945.

The MCA hopes that following the success of the Menston project other local communities might take up the idea to do something similar.