FARM animals visited a Basingstoke care home for people with dementia.

Residents at St Thomas’ Nursing home, in South View, met sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits and a pony which came to visit from Miller’s Ark Farm, near Hook.

Venita Couzens, general manager at the home, said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors. We knew that having the farm here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus.

“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Residents from other Barchester Healthcare run homes Ashcombe House, in Worting Road, and Cherry Blossom Manor, in German Road, Tadley, also came to meet the animals in St Thomas’ garden.