A BRAND new visitor attraction has got the thumbs up from residents of a care home.

The group from Gracewell care home in Cross Road, Weymouth took an outing to Portland’s new D-Day museum and staff said the residents all got involved, dressing up, reading about D-Day and even holding guns.

The museum at Castletown opened in March and is designed to plunge people into the sights, sounds, atmosphere and experience of D-Day on the island.

Home admissions advisor at Gracewell Esther Sheppard said the residents ‘absolutely loved it’.

She added: “We have an outing with pur residents planned every week. These range from trips to the beach, museums, Sandsfoot castle and much more. We even have a trip planned to monkey world and the sea life centre.

“We feel passionate about our residents enjoying local attractions and being part of a local community. Age has no limits.”

The residents agreed.

One, who asked to be known only as Dusty, said: “I love living at Gracewell it’s my home and I couldn’t be happier no ask is to big and I have done things since I moved in that I never thought I would do. The trips that I go on are a highlight of my week. It’s like being young again going out with your friends.”

And another resident, John Murr, added: “It was brilliant. I was able to hold a gun and it was nice to see Portland as well.”

The residents were accompanied by Rachael Craig, of the care homes activities staff. She said: “I love taking the residents out of the home and seeing them enjoying themselves in different surroundings. It means a lot to the residents these trips and really look forward to them.”

The American themed D-Day Museum highlights the role of the American GIs who embarked from Portland on June 6 1944 for the Normandy landings. 

It is part of the island's regeneration project and hopes to bring a boost to Castletown and the wider area of Portland.

For details, visit castletownddaycentre.com or for more information on Gracewell, visit www.gracewell.co.uk or call 01305 233300.