A TEENAGER has been successful in applying for funds to put smiles on the faces of residents at a care home in her village.

Thirteen-year-old Rhianna Mills, of Corbridge, applied for a Caring through Crisis grant from Foresters Financial to create wellbeing bags for older people living on their own during the Covid-19 crisis.

She was successful in her bid and was awarded a grant of £240 which she has used to provide the wellbeing bags for individuals in the supported bungalows at the village's Charlotte Straker Project, as well as the RE-engage charity.

Each bag has been carefully packed with a card from Rhianna plus lots of goodies including fresh fruit, luxury biscuits and teabags, a magazine, a pot plant, chocolates, cake and toiletries.

Marilyn Hunter, the registered manager at Charlotte Straker, handed out the bags and said: "This was a really thoughtful gesture and the ladies that received the wellbeing bags were absolutely delighted by Rhianna’s idea.

"Life has been monotonous and even a bit lonely under lockdown and it was lovely seeing their faces light up when they received the gifts.

"Rhianna has made a difference to each of these elderly ladies, and we want to thank her for applying for the grant and choosing the Charlotte Straker Project.”

Rhianna said: "I just wanted to do something to help the local community, and I loved the fact that everyone was so happy with the gifts and it made them smile."

She added: "It was great to do, and I loved buying all the different items and writing the cards and packing each bag.”