The staff and residents of Doveridge Care Home in Colyton were busy last week raising funds for the local pre-school.

Prior to the COVID-19 restrictions, the Colyton Caterpillars Pre-school and Doveridge Care Home would regularly interact.

The residents attended fortnightly music sessions at the pre-school and the children took part in special events at the care home, including Dove Fest where they provided musical entertainment and enjoyed face painting.

These interactions brought joy and laughter to both the residents and the children, bringing back memories and giving Doveridge's residents and lift in energy.

Unfortunately, due to the restrictions imposed to keep the residents safe from COVID-19, these visits have had to be put on hold.

The residents have missed interacting with the children and, when they heard that the pre-school were in need of digital camera, they started thinking of ways to help.

Doveridge's activity staff and residents decided to hold an indoor sports day to raise funds for the camera and they hosted the event last Tuesday.

Events included a tin can alley, indoor bowls, bat and ball and other sports activities. The residents even came up with a new sport involving balloons and pool swimming aids.

There was lots of laughter as both residents, staff and volunteers took part, keeping active and having gentle exercise at the same time as raising money.

To celebrate their achievements, residents were presented with medals and then relaxed with a cup of tea and homemade cupcakes with rosette decorations.

Donations are still coming in from families, staff and the local community, but so far the amount raised has just passed the £100 mark.

Everyone at Doveridge is looking forward to hearing the final total and to handing the funds to the pre-school to purchase the digital camera, as well as some additional treats for the children.