RESIDENTS and staff at a newly opened care home got in the Irish spirit for St Patrick’s Day.

Shawford Springs in Compton was decorated with shamrocks and everyone dressed in green to mark the Irish holiday on Friday, March 17.

Residents at Barchester Healthcare’s newest home listened to lively Irish music and took part in a St Patrick’s Day quiz.

Meanwhile, the head chef prepared an Irish lunch of steak and Guinness pie, champ mash and buttered swede, before a Guinness and chocolate cake.

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General manager, Julie House, said: “Our residents have all had a brilliant day today, everyone has enjoyed the festivities – I think we all agree St Patrick’s Day is the best of all the saints’ days. We had a fantastic time listening to Irish music and playing the Big Irish quiz to test our knowledge.”

Residents John and Marie said: “It has been a lovely day. We really enjoyed the Irish Music and the Irish quiz and not forgetting the delicious glass of Guinness and Irish food.”

Shawford Springs, in Otterbourne Road, offers residential, dementia and respite care.

The facility, which opened at the beginning of March, aims to provide a varied enrichment programme to keep residents active and offer a daily choice of engaging in physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.