ExtraCare staff gave a small pantomime about Santa and his helpers, followed by some carol singing, led by Administrator Sarah Ditchburn, who demonstrated her fantastic voice.

Gym instructor Marie Barley, who organised the event, even arranged for three Shetland ponies to come along dressed up in tinsel and wearing reindeer antlers.

As they were led into the crowd, residents, staff and visitors all let out a chorus of, "Ahh!" Everyone even remembered to clap quietly so that the ponies weren't disturbed.

The three Shetlands are rescue ponies owned by Ellie, Laura and Kirsty, who the Bushfield residents have met through their riding club.

Bushfield Court Manager Trudy Kovacs thanked the staff who had taken part in the Christmas display. "I'd like to thank Marie in particular, she's done lots of work behind the scenes on this," she said, adding that the ponies should also be praised for their good behaviour during the afternoon.

New Activities Co-ordinator Erin Bartholomew also came along and was introduced to the residents. She will start working at Bushfield in the New Year.

See more Christmas at ExtraCare pictures on Flickr!

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For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk