A care home in Frome has kicked off the festive season with a Christmas celebration featuring donkeys in costumes.

The day at Catherine House Care Home was filled with activities and festive spirit, involving residents, their families, and even a few curious passers-by.

It included a Santa’s grotto, carnival-style float, live animal area, and bustling stalls.

The main attraction was Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, adorned with fairy lights and decorations.

He posed for photos with visitors, spreading smiles all round.

(Image: Catherine House Care Home) However, the live animal area with donkeys Wilma and her companion, dressed in Christmas outfits, proved to be a favourite.

The donkeys captured the hearts of many, with family members, children, and relatives enjoying meeting and feeding them.

Outside the care home, the Christmas float, organised with help from the Little Devils Carnival Club, brought music, costumes, and decorations to the local streets.

Performers dressed as reindeer, accompanied by festive music, drew plenty of smiles from passers-by, spreading the Christmas spirit to the wider community.

Inside, stalls selling cakes and crafts, and a tombola run by Ruby and her daughter Jackie, kept everyone busy.

A local woodcarver, recently diagnosed with dementia, joined the event to raise money for dementia awareness, a cause close to his heart.

(Image: Catherine House Care Home) The care home’s activities co-ordinator Sharon said: "The whole day was just brilliant.

"Seeing our family members enjoying themselves so much, and relatives and local people joining in too, really made it special.

"Events like this show how much care homes can bring people together, and that’s what we’re all about."

The event was not only about festive fun; it was about creating connections, supporting meaningful causes, and reminding everyone of the power of coming together.

One resident, Glenda, had such a great time she danced and laughed her way through the day, even skipping her lunch to keep enjoying the celebrations.

Another resident, Steven, couldn’t wait to get involved, heading straight to the stalls as soon as they opened.

To finish the day, generous donations of Christmas cakes were accepted, to be saved for the big day itself, ensuring the celebrations continue well into the rest of December.

For further information, please visit www.catherinehousecarehome.com or contact support@catherinehousecarehome.com.