RESIDENTS of a Wellington dementia care home have enjoyed a visit from Charlie the donkey along with some other animal friends.

The care home, Camelot House and Lodge, welcomed 24-year-old Charlie and a miniature Shetland pony called Flora, 12, along with pygmy goats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Charlie and Flora were taken on a tour inside the care home where they met the delighted residents who were allowed to stroke and feed the animals.

Animal-assisted therapy has been found to improve self-esteem, confidence and blood pressure in people with conditions like dementia.

Sam Paddon, head of care at Camelot House and Lodge, said: “Many of the ladies and gents who live with us have farming connections, and they were so happy to be able to be so close to Charlie and Flora, to stroke them and smell their lovely smell.

“They also started reminiscing about seaside holidays and riding donkeys on the beach, either themselves or with their children or grandchildren and telling us about these memories makes them really happy.”

The animals were provided by Kelly’s Donkeys, who are based on the Somerset/Wiltshire border and are responsible for 26 donkeys, including the assisted-therapy donkeys.

Kelly Baker, who has run Kelly’s Donkeys since 2014, said: “We had a lovely chat with residents about their backgrounds, animals they have owned and other things donkey- and pony-related, and it was obvious how much they enjoyed telling us about their lives."

“These meetings can be quite emotional to witness; we find that even residents who are otherwise unwilling to take part in activities or who rarely speak or don’t seem to want much contact with the world outside their bedroom can all respond in a positive manner when our wonderful donkeys poke their heads around their doors.”