ELDERLY residents at a Bradford on Avon care home are going on an virtual reality tour of the world and taking part in an international competition at the same time.

From the comfort of the Wiltshire Heights home they are cycling to as many of 1,700 locations around the globe as they can manage.

They are using Motiview equipment made by Norwegian AgeTech start-up Motitech which allows them to look at a video projection of where they are headed as they pedal on a stationary cycling machine.

The residents are taking part in Road Worlds for Seniors, a global activity programme for cycling within care homes and care centres.

The event - which takes place from September 2-27 - encourages older people and people living with dementia to take part in competitive sport and virtually cycle all over the world using Motiview.

The initiative is supported by British Cycling and Sport England, through its Places to Ride capital grants programme.

Libby Miles, Client Services Manager at Wiltshire Heights, said: “It’s absolutely amazing to be involved in such a global event.”

“With the support of the equipment from Sports England and Motitech we are able to transport our residents around the world through the library of 1,700 films while getting stronger, fitter and happier.

“Exercise is so important to all and using this specific equipment provided by Sports England, we are able to ensure that our residents can do so, safely.

“We are a competitive bunch here at Wiltshire Heights and are ready for the Road Worlds for Seniors competition!

“We were delighted to be joined today by our Mayor Cllr Simon McNeill-Ritchie to help us launch our competition.”

More than 60 care homes in the UK alone have signed up to take part, together with teams from Norway, Sweden, Canada, Iceland, Denmark and Australia, all competing against each other.

Everyone who takes part will be rewarded for their efforts, with additional awards going to those who have cycled the furthest, and the care teams that have provided the best support.