A SOUTH Somerset care home marked bonfire night with sparklers and stew, much to the delight of the elderly residents.

West Abbey Care Centre in Yeovil celebrated November 5 by giving the residents sparklers to light once the sun had set.

They also feasted on traditional bonfire night treats, including beef stew and dumplings prepared by the homes chefs.

A resident at West Abbey Care Centre, said: “It’s a great opportunity for us to enjoy an evening tucking into our favourite traditional bonfire night treats from when we were younger and to get to use some sparklers.

"It was a bit chilly outside but the atmosphere made it all worthwhile. There were so many smiling faces that it was hard not to have a smile yourself.”

Helen Colaço is the general manager at West Abbey Care Centre.

She said: “It’s great to see so many of the residents wrapping up warm and braving the cold English weather to enjoy the homes sparklers. Both residents and staff had a wonderful time, even if it was a bit nippy.

"We provide a wide range of activities at West Abbey as part of the life enrichment programme for residents, and this one was very popular. Our varied activities programme allows us to provide stimulation of the mind, body and soul for residents in group activities, as well as one-to-one.

"We have also adapted ways to keep residents active, whilst ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to current government social distancing advice.”

For more information on West Abbey, call 01935411136.