STUDENTS from Westcliff High School volunteered at a celebratory event for some of Southend’s most senior citizens. The sixth form pupils attended Southend West Conservative Club’s annual Centenarians’ Tea Party, which is now in its eighth year.

The event was hosted by MP David Amess and the Southend West Conservative Association at Iveagh Hall, in Leigh on Friday, September 20. Students Angus Turner, Calum Glazier, Eve Rees, Ellie Talbot and Becca White took part in the tea party, while pupils Leo Connell and Zac Turner filmed the event.

Calum Glazier said: “It was a privilege to be able to spend time with such remarkable individuals. Each one has their own story to tell. I've never been more proud to wear the Westcliff uniform.”

The students helped to serve hot drinks, cakes and sandwiches to the centenarians, and took time to speak to the guests.

A spokesperson from the school said: “The student volunteers were invaluable in helping to serve hot drinks and delicious cakes and sandwiches to the centenarians. The tea party was hugely successful, with a good time had by both guests and helpers alike.”

The tea party currently holds a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of centenarians which was awarded in 2009, with a total of 28 attendees.

This year’s event saw around 20 centenarians from the local area attend, with a combined age of almost 2000 years, many of whom were born in East London and moved to Southend after the War.