CARE home residents enjoyed getting up close and personal with a range of animals.

Hourigan House in Leigh treated them to a trip to Bolton's Smithills Open Farm.

The residents toured the farm, listened to an expert speak about its inhabitants and had the chance to feed, handle and pet a variety of the animals, including chicks, lambs, owls and pigs.

One of them, Betty Jones, even volunteered to hold a giant python measuring well more than 6ft.

Betty said: "I had a lovely day out and enjoyed seeing all the animals.

"It was something different as it is not every day you have the chance to hold a giant snake."

Animal interaction has been proven to have therapeutic benefits for older people and those living with dementia.

Hazel Jackson, home manager at Minster Care-run Hourigan House on Myrtle Avenue, said: "We always try to hold a variety of activities to suit everyone's interests and trips like these are fantastic for bringing our residents together to socialise and experience something new.

"It is not often people get the chance to feed and interact with farm animals, and rarer still to handle a giant python.

"Our residents thoroughly enjoyed the day out and we look forward to visiting again in the future."