CARE home residents across Wiltshire were treated to a day of the county's finest arts, crafts and produce for the Wiltshire Flower, Vegetable & Craft Show at Melksham Assembly Hall on Tuesday.

A total of 120 care home residents took part in the event, from 12.30-4pm, which showcased huge array of self-made goods and locally grown produce – from baked goods and ceramics to jams, floral arrangements and vegetable displays.

As part of the festival, hosted by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit care providers, all entries were judged and over 25 awards were presented, including a ‘Best In Show’ award for each category.

In addition to resident awards, Brookside in Melksham was named 2016’s Trust in Bloom Competition winner for being home to the Trust’s best care home gardens in the county.

Jamie Carter, Home Manager for Brookside in Melksham, said: “The residents here at Brookside really enjoyed the annual Flower and Vegetable Show, especially getting together with other homes in the county.

“They all spent a great deal of time and effort making all their homemade produce for the event and could not wait to show it all off. Everyone at the event was very impressed with all the things they had on display.”

Those who came first, second and third respectively were presented with a rosette and commemorative certificate to celebrate their hard work dedication.

Mayor Terri Welch said: "It is a fantastic initiative and such a heartwarming occasion. To see the residents really enjoying themselves and entering some brilliant entries was wonderful.

"I have to say, some of the knitting on show was superb, far better than anything I could have produced.

"Over the past few weeks Melksham has thrown some lovely, varied events catering for all ages and this one is a great celebration for the elderly too."

Those present also enjoyed live music, dancing and a tea party at the venue.

Chris Poole, OSJCT Assistant Operations Director for Wiltshire, said: “Not only did this year’s festival offer residents a chance to get back into an old hobby, like gardening, baking or crafts, but it also gave a chance to meet with and share their creations with residents from other care homes throughout the county.

“We often hear residents say they have given up an old hobby because they think they can’t do it well anymore, so events like our annual harvest festival offers the perfect opportunity for them to give it another go and see for themselves that they have still got the skills and knowledge to grow fruit and vegetable, to bake a delicious cake or make a cosy knitted scarf or blanket."