Care home residents have not had much to smile about in the past year but a visit from two Humboldt penguins brought some much-needed joy to these pensioners. 

Jacqueline Parsley, 84, June Hicks, 86, and Doreen King, 91, could not contain their joy as the penguins, named Charlie and Pringle, paid a visit to the residents of Spencer Court, run by the Orders of Saint John Care Trust in Woodstock, Oxon. 

The home offers a programme of fun, creative and varied activities designed to benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of residents, especially those with dementia, and to support the best quality of life possible.  

Its manager, Dorte Chandler, said: “Residents and colleagues at the home have experienced very challenging times since Covid-19 emerged, so we wanted to make this Christmas extra special for everyone.  What better way to do that than by welcoming these wonderful penguins right into our care home.”