LOCKED-down care home residents have been ‘around the world’ in five days thanks to career’s imaginative efforts.

Residents at Thirsk care home Hambleton Grange usually enjoy trips to the beach and other attractions during the summer months but missed out this year due to coronavirus.

Instead, staff decided to surprise residents with a ticket on board the ‘HG Phoenix’ cruise ship, which would whisk them away to five holiday locations; France, Spain, Greece, Mexico and finally Jamaica.

Residents were thrilled each morning to find the ship had ‘docked’ in a new location and their home had been transformed with decorations to match.

The team organised traditional meals from the countries to be served at lunch time and for the daily activities and entertainment to be centred around the countries they 'visited'.

Staff also dressed up each day in homage to their location.

Resident, Sue Sherwood, said: "I have had the most wonderful time, the team have really made it feel like we were on holiday and the brilliant weather really was the cherry on the top.

"It has given everyone at the care home a boost and put smiles on all our faces.".

Resident, Mike Hananan , said, ‘I don’t know where to begin, this week has been incredible."

"The team have gone above and beyond for us. We have had so many exciting things to do and the food has been delicious."

Lifestyle manager, Linzi Williamson, said: "We have all had such a wonderful time over our week's ‘travels’.

"We have had so much fun planning each day and to have had such fabulous feedback from our residents and their families makes it all the more rewarding."

Home manager, Nikki Higgins, added: "Our residents have had a brilliant time this week and it really is such a rewarding part of our jobs – to see how happy our residents are due to the teams ideas, dedication and commitment.

"It has been a fantastic boost in morale for the staff too, who have all really rallied together to make this happen, I am incredibly proud of my team."