A LAMB gave love and affection to people living with dementia as the star visitor to a care home.

Residents of Signature House in Dorchester welcomed the unusual guest part of Dementia Action Week - and bosses said they were delighted with the visit.

The tiny lamb was taken into the home by one of its activity co-ordinators - and enjoyed being carried around the home, and meeting residents and team members on each floor.

A care home spokeswoman said: "Petting this tiny lamb certainly boosted social interaction between the residents, nurses and carers at Signature House and it loved all the attention and cuddles.

Judging from the comments it generated, and the big smiles it brought all around, this visit was certainly a winner for all involved."

Pet therapy is proven to reduce depression, anxiety and loneliness for people living with dementia.

The lamb's visit to Signature House came after a guinea pig brought joy to a woman living with Alzheimer's during a visit organised by care company Home Instead East Dorset and Blandford.

The furry, four-legged creature went to live with 81-year-old Pat, a Home Instead client who used to work in a veterinary practice and is now living with advanced Alzheimer's.