RESIDENTS at a Darlington care home enjoyed getting out and about in the community – many for the first time in a long time – during a fundraising event.

About ten residents from the Grange Care Home released balloons as part of a dementia awareness Bank Holiday Monday fun day at the Shuttle and Loom pub, near the home.

There was also a sponsored walk, organised by the home, to help pay for the transformation of its garden into a sensory garden.

Jamila Malik, activities leader at the home, said the event was a big success.

She said: "If anything, I would say the most rewarding party of the day was for the residents themselves, some of whom do not get out very much.

"They enjoyed the chance to get out and about."

A garden party featuring cream teas will form the basis of an open day at the home, from 2pm to 4pm, on Friday, June 19.