Care home gets Christmas creatures visit

A care home in North Lincolnshire has enjoyed an "unusual but enjoyable" animal therapy visit.

Residents at The Birches in Brigg got to meet an owl, rabbits, guinea pigs, a tortoise and a bearded dragon.

The communal lounge was turned into a makeshift petting zoo with people given the chance to stroke and ask questions.

The home provides residential support for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

The animals came from the Purple Pig Farm in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, which specialises in animal visits to care homes, schools and community groups.

Anita Gregory, manager at The Birches, said the residents had a "lovely afternoon".

"The animals were so calm, which helped everyone feel comfortable and curious. It encouraged a lot of conversation, especially from people wanting to talk about pets they'd had or animals they remembered growing up," she said.

"Sessions like this make a genuine difference to people's confidence and help bring the home together, and it felt particularly special to do it at this time of year."

Officials at the care home said the residents had continued to discuss the experience after the session had ended.

Tracey Harris, who is a resident, said: "I've always liked animals, but I've never been this close to something like that [an owl] before. It brought back all sorts of memories of pets we had when I was younger.

"It brightened the whole afternoon and made the place feel even more festive."

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