A day at an ice rink wouldn’t necessarily be top of the list as a destination for care home residents but staff at one South Hams care home thought that their spirited older people would love it… and they were right!

A group of eight residents from Ivydene Residential and Nursing Home on Staniforth Drive in Ivybridge got their ‘skates on’ and headed for Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink, accompanied by care home staff.

It was the first time on the ice for many and the experience proved thoroughly enjoyable. The residents spent the afternoon’s “skating” from the comfort and safety of their wheel-chairs, assisted by care staff.

Sylvia Furzeland, 97, said: “It was my first time ice skating and I really enjoyed it – it was very easy for me as I could just sit back and enjoy the ride!”

Fellow resident, Winnie Davies, 102 said: “It was my first time skating too; I really enjoyed it and want to know when we are going again!”

Activities leader at the home, Lucy Cassidy said: “It was just such a fantastic morning, and from our residents’ reactions we will certainly be going back. We love having the opportunity to create ‘first times’ for our residents –moving into a care home can be a new chapter and one that we look to make as exciting as possible!”

Ivydene was recently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission,