An 86-year-old care home resident was taken on a surprise trip to visit some very special four-legged friends.

The team at Care UK’s Salisbury Manor, in Shapland Close, organised for resident Kathleen Allen to take a trip to the New Forest to get up close with ponies and donkeys and relive her childhood memories.

Kathleen had told team members all about her happy childhood memories of watching the donkeys and ponies in the forest with her father, and after hearing how much Kathleen loved her visits, the team arranged for her to visit again.

During their time away, Kathleen petted the animals as they roamed free before ending the day at Care UK’s Sway Place for a three-course meal and glass of wine, followed by a walk in the sunshine surrounded by the donkeys.

Commenting on the trip, Kathleen said: "It was such a lovely day, just like the day trips with my family all those years ago.

"I’d like to say a big thank you to the team at Salisbury Manor for doing this for me and bringing back so many happy memories."

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new.