RESIDENTS of a nursing home in Basingstoke have enjoyed a close encounter with owls and birds of prey.

Ashcombe House, in Worting Road, welcomed birds from Wings of Freedom for the special day.

Colin Sutherland, who rescues birds for Wings of Freedom, provided a therapeutic and sensory experience to residents with an outstanding knowledge of each bird.

Resident Sally Chivers said the birds were wonderful and she enjoyed meeting all the feathered friends.

Every resident was given the opportunity to get to know birds such as Rocky the barn owl, Norman the eagle owl and a rescue hawk.

The birds also visited residents’ rooms to meet those who were not able to come into communal areas to enjoy the therapeutic and sensory experience.

General manager Louise Lambert said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today, we knew having the birds visit would be really nice for all residents as some find it difficult to go on many outing in our minibus, and to include those that are in rooms has been fantastic.”

Activities coordinator Michelle Martin said: “I am always looking at new activities for the residents and today I have seen the enjoyment and therapeutic influence the birds have given us."