A CARE home hosted a Christmas party for residents with the help of a local pub.

Havendene Residential Home, Front Street, Prudhoe, held the event at the town's Dr Syntax after landlady Claire Hepple-Brooks offered up a section of the popular pub exclusively for residents and staff.

Care home manager Amanda Brooks explained a number of risk assessments and best interest decisions had to be made to allow the gathering to go ahead but that it had been approved by the CQC and infection control.

"We went above and beyond to be able to give the residents a Christmas party", she said. "It was a lot of hard work, but we eventually got the go ahead. It was absolutely wonderful."

Residents, who wore masks and all took lateral flow tests, were treated to a three-course meal, carol singers and entertainers, as well as hot minced pies and drinks.

Amanda added: "I had sleepless nights, thinking am I doing the right thing, am I not? But it was very worthwhile, they thoroughly enjoyed it.

"I also wanted the staff recognised for their hard work, you just hear horror stories of care homes. You never hear the positive things."

The pub was sanitised and people sat socially distanced.

Staff have worked over the festive season with many dressing up, vowing to give residents "the best Christmas ever."

Havendene had previously been rated as 'requiring improvement' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). But at it's December inspection, that rating was boosted to 'good.'

The home, ran by Vmaria & Rawther UK Ltd, has 22 staff and provides accommodation for up to 25 people over 65 who require nursing or personal care and/or dementia or physical disabilities.