RETIREES showed off their flower arranging skills as part of a festival which promoted age-friendly inclusion within Bury.

Residents at Moorfield Retirement Living Scheme enjoyed a flower-making demonstration before trying their hands at their own display.

As part of the session, organised by Six Town Housing, the group also enjoyed cream teas.

The flower arranging was part of the two-week Festival of Ageing, a series of events funded by Ambition for Ageing for those aged 50 and over.

Debbie Standring, community development worker for Six Town Housing, said: "The residents at Moorfield loved the flower arranging session and it provided a great reason for the community to come together and have a chat.

"We think the Festival of Ageing has been a great initiative. It should run every year as it helps local people connect."

Six Town Housing also organised a garden party afternoon tea at Red Bank Extra Care Scheme in Radcliffe, another flower arranging session at Falcon and Griffin House in Bury and a quiz afternoon at Taylor House in Bury.

The Festival of Ageing is a Greater Manchester-wide event which took place for the first time this year.

The Bury and Bolton sessions have been co-ordinated by Persona.

Managing director at Persona, Kat Sowden, said: "There have been intergenerational afternoon teas, health walks and a vast array of other activities.

"The emphasis has been very much on staying active and social and encouraging people to try new things.

"As well as the wonderful one-off events that have taken place during the fortnight, we are also hoping that connecting people into things and letting them know the multitude of things that are available to them will mean that people carry on getting involved in some of these things, meaning that the Festival has an ongoing legacy."