A CARE home for people with enduring mental health conditions held an open doors event as part of a national celebration.

Ashwood Court Residential, on Woodford Avenue, Lowton, took part in National Care Home Open Days, which encourages homes to open to the public once a year.

Each year, the celebrations take on a different theme, and for the seventh annual open day, it was the role of arts in care.

Visitors and residents joined year four pupils from neighbouring St Luke’s C of E primary to take part in activities including cake making and decorating, indoor and outdoor games, face painting, balloon modelling and arts and crafts.

After a lunch of pie and peas, singer Eddie Lister entertained guests and then visitors were invited on a tour of the home.

The event was organised by Ashwood Court activities coodinators Kirsty McMillan and Adele Tempest.

Kirsty said: "We want local people to see that even though we’re a mental health service, Ashwood Court is a proper home – it’s comfortable and friendly. All our residents, who are aged from 35 to over 100, love living here. We want to remove the stigma and show that living here is fun.”

Ashwood Court Residential is operated by national adult health and social care charity Making Space and provides support for up to 17 adults living with a mental health diagnosis.

It is rated 'good' by the CQC, the health and social care watchdog.