Nail polish bonded young and old when a schoolgirl spent a day with care home residents as her act of kindness homework project.

Comparing their fingernails made Grace Purvis an instant hit with the ladies at the Borovere Care Home in Alton.

Grace had chosen to visit the care home because her mum Hayley Purvis works there - and she felt it would be more fun than doing housework.

Hayley said: “She was free to choose whatever she wanted, and I have to admit, as her mum, helping me clean the house would have been top of my list.

“However, Grace had something much lovelier in mind. She chose to visit me at work.”

Grace, a Year 5 pupil at Andrews’ Endowed CE Primary School in Holybourne, said: “I enjoyed going to the care home because I liked speaking to the older people and seeing what they did when they were younger.

“I wanted to hear their stories. I enjoyed meeting Gillian and Suzan, who showed me their nails. I liked the colour of Suzan’s hair.”

While disappointed that Hayley told her she couldn’t dye her hair red like Suzan, Grace was not put off returning to Borovere.

Nine-year-old Grace said: “I think that’s a good act of kindness, better than cleaning mummy’s house. I’m definitely going to come back and work with mummy again.”

Posting on Facebook, Borovere said: “Yesterday we had a very special visitor. Grace Purvis, daughter of our lovely staff member Hayley, came to visit our residents and staff as part of her Year 5 school project.

“Her challenge was simple but meaningful - to carry out an act of kindness in her community. Grace chose to spend some time with our residents, sharing conversations, smiles and a little companionship.

“It's wonderful to see the younger generation taking time to connect with older people. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is simply your time.

“Grace, you should be very proud of yourself. You've certainly shown that kindness has no age limit. A big thank you from everyone at Borovere.”

Hayley said: “During her visit, Grace spent time sitting with the residents, talking with them, listening to them. It was genuinely heartwarming to watch, and I couldn’t have been prouder of her.

“We are incredibly lucky at Borovere to have a team that constantly champions activities, fun and meaningful experiences for our residents.

“Andy and Amanda, who organise and run the entertainment, do so much to bring happiness and enjoyment into residents’ lives, and I am so grateful to them for helping Grace be part of such a special experience.

“Paulina, the manager at Borovere, is also incredibly supportive of these interactions and always encourages opportunities to bring different generations together and put smiles on our residents’ faces.

“It reminds us that kindness doesn’t have to be something grand or complicated. Sometimes, giving up a little bit of your time can make someone’s day.

“Grace may have been doing her homework, but I think she taught us all a little lesson about kindness along the way.”