Pensioners in Bradford were packing their buckets and spades this week in readiness for their 2008 holidays.

Pupils journeyed from Ribblesdale High School, in Morecambe, to sell tailor-made breaks to the city's over-60s as part of their GCSE travel and tourism exams.

Youngsters met with interested pensioners at a special civic reception in City Hall to tell them all about the activities they have planned for the week in March.

For £149 tourists on the Country and Coast' trip can look forward to a twin-centre stay in Morecambe, overlooking its famous bay, and then at a luxurious country hotel near Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley.

It is the eighth year students from across the border in Lancashire have teamed up with tour operator Fraser Eagle and the two hotels to bus in Bradford pensioners from Yorkshire.

Tourism teacher Dawn Robinson said: "It's much better than text-book study.

"We wanted to give the pupils a real-life project to manage, and so far they're loving every minute of it. They'll be marked on the success of it for their GCSE."

Pupil Daniel Dewhirst, 14, said: "It's been really good coming to Bradford and telling people about the holiday. We've already got lots of bookings and some are going home to tell their friends. They're very keen."

His class-mate Nicole Blythe, 13, said: "There's lots to see and do.

"Morecambe's famous for its bay and its comedian Eric Morecambe, the countryside around Lancashire is really lovely and Pendle Hill is worth seeing.

"We've been asking for suggestions for day trips and Southport's a favourite so far."

Margaret Payne is a veteran on the Country and Coast trip: "We wait every year for it to come round again.

"It's more like a reunion than a holiday because people go back time and time again. The friendship circle just grows."

And Brenda Farquhas added: "It's brilliant. It's much cheaper than most holidays. The hotels are great and the excursions are wonderful."

Dorothy Townend said: "I like Morecambe because it's ideal, it's so easy to get around because it's flat and they've done a wonderful job doing up the front.

"The prom's lovely to walk on, the shops aren't bad either."

Carol Bullock has also booked for the trip: "The young people have done a really good job of promoting it, they've really put their hearts into it. I can't wait for March."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the holiday should call Fraser Eagle on 08700 116117.

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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