POOLE care home residents were treated to a horse-drawn carriage ride for Christmas– inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Staff at the Lindsay Bupa Care home surprised residents with the Victorian-style carriage trip on Monday, December 21 to get them into the Christmas spirit and to end the year on a high.

The black and red stage coach took over 30 residents, including those diagnosed with dementia, on a trip around the area enabling them to enjoy the festivities.

The Lindsay Bupa Care Home Manager, Claudia Carvell said: "We know that animals can have a really positive effect on people, especially those living with dementia, and that was definitely true today - the reactions were just incredible.

"While it might seem like a small gesture, it means so much to us that residents get to enjoy Christmas and we’ll be working hard to keep the celebrations going."

Residents also enjoyed carol singing, mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts at the home, served by members of staff dressed in Victorian outfits which mimicked the look and feel of a Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Care home resident Joan Blackshaw, 91, said: "We have been well and truly spoilt today with a real festive treat. Seeing Santa took me back to my younger years when I used to take the children and grandchildren to visit him each year and the carriage ride was such a surprise – I’d never been on a horse-drawn carriage before."

Claudia Carvell added: "I’m so proud of our team for putting together today’s festivities. Everyone has gone above and beyond to make this an unforgettable Christmas for our residents. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces was wonderful."