PAMPER boxes and treats have been delivered to 'frontline heroes' by grateful care home residents and staff.

Two residents from Castle View care home, in Poundbury, delivered hampers of goodies to staff at GP surgeries to thank them for all the work they have done keeping people safe throughout the pandemic.

Kay Davis and Enid Deakin took packages, which included handwritten cards from residents at the home expressing thanks and appreciation to frontline workers, to the Prince of Wales Surgery and the Poundbury Doctors Surgery, much to the delight of staff.

Manager of Prince of Wales Surgery, Sally Holland, said: "This was such a kind thought from Castle View. I'm sure we will enjoy all the goodies. Our gratitude and good wishes go to all the residents and staff at the home."

Dorset Echo: Castle View Companionship Team Leader Katja Williams, left, hands over a basket to Dr Robert Koppenhol at the Poundbury Surgery with the help of Enid Deakin, seated Picture: Deep South MediaCastle View Companionship Team Leader Katja Williams, left, hands over a basket to Dr Robert Koppenhol at the Poundbury Surgery with the help of Enid Deakin, seated Picture: Deep South Media

Dr Robert Koppenhol from Poundbury Doctors Surgery was equally grateful. He said: "It was lovely to see care home residents going out and about and making such a welcome gesture."

The hampers, which were also delivered to police officers and teams at fellow nursing homes, were funded through a raffle which was held in the Colten Care home at Easter, building on a similar idea of the 'Hearts of Kindness' initiative the home launched at the beginning of the year, which saw hampers gifted to intensive care staff at Dorset County Hospital.

Dorset Echo: Castle View Companionship Team Leader Katja Williams, left, hands over a gift hamper at Dorchester Police Station to Community Safety Officer Sarah Pilcher Picture: Deep South MediaCastle View Companionship Team Leader Katja Williams, left, hands over a gift hamper at Dorchester Police Station to Community Safety Officer Sarah Pilcher Picture: Deep South Media

Kay said: "We wanted to recognise all essential workers, including GPs and other surgery staff, for their continued commitment and dedication to the whole community during the pandemic."

Katja Williams, Castle View’s companionship team leader, went with Kay and Enid on their surgery deliveries.

She said: "Everywhere we have visited with our gift hamper surprises we have had sincere thanks from people. It’s no more than they deserve for all their hard work and resilience over the past year

"It has been so incredibly challenging for frontline heroes in all parts of the world trying to keep everyone safe.

Dorset Echo: Castle View resident Kay Davis and Companionship Team Leader Katja Williams, left, deliver a gift hamper to Sally Holland, practice manager at the Prince of Wales Surgery Picture: Deep South MediaCastle View resident Kay Davis and Companionship Team Leader Katja Williams, left, deliver a gift hamper to Sally Holland, practice manager at the Prince of Wales Surgery Picture: Deep South Media

"At Castle View, despite the pandemic restricting our usual community visits and fundraising for charities, residents still wanted to do their bit. As well as the gift hampers, we have used in-home events to continue to raise money for causes such as the Poundbury Community Group."

For more information on Colten Care's Castle View home, visit www.coltencare.co.uk/castle-view/home