STAFF at a Prudhoe care home brought the beach to residents with a Hawaiian-themed party.

Residents at Red Brick House, run by Akari Care, enjoyed the sea, sand and sun - all from the comfort of their seats.

Five bags of sand was supplied by Hexham-based MKM Building Supplies while the Whistle Testers brought the music free of charge. 

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"It's so hard to get all the residents to be able to go to the beach and it is something they want to do", said Janet Newton, who organises the home's activities. "So, we brought the beach to them and then they've all got access to it.

"It was an absolutely brilliant day. They were so over the moon. We tried to keep it a secret from as many people as we could.

"The highlight of my day was a lady in a wheelchair who said she thought she would never feel sand again. She was delighted with it."

Catering staff also put on a bbq feast as part of the colourful event. 

Janet added: "It really lifted their moods. It's nice for some of the newer residents as well to help them settle in, socialising is such a big part. 

"It's also really important that the families get to see what they've been doing."

"The residents, generally, are in good spirits, we try to have on as many activities we can for them."

Staff are printing photographs for residents to keep as a memento of the day and some have put up their flower necklaces in their rooms.