CHERRIES star Marc Pugh paid a special visit to a Christchurch care home recently, entertaining residents with his skills.

The AFC Bournemouth winger, who is an ambassador for the partnership between the care home Queensmead’s owner, Care South, and the club, joined in with a game of armchair football as he met residents in Christchurch.

Residents were invited to take part in the beautiful game from the comfort of their armchairs with Marc and the community sports trust’s coaches.

The popular player, who has been at the Goldsands Stadium since the summer of 2010, also spoke to the residents about the team’s great start to the season.

“It was clear to see that the residents were thrilled to meet Marc,” said head of the community sports trust, Steve Cuss.

“He was happy to spend time chatting to them and showing them a few tricks. We couldn’t ask for a better ambassador for this partnership.”

Susan Willoughby, chief executive at Care South, added: “It’s marvellous that such a high profile local footballer is the ambassador for this partnership.

“We were really impressed with the way that Marc, Steve Cuss and the trainee coaches that helped out with the activity took the time to talk to each of our residents and engage them in the activity.

“Having Marc as our player ambassador has helped provoke strong levels of interest in the work we are doing together and we are delighted to have his support.”

The visit from Pugh is thanks to a partnership between the football club and care home, which allows residents, home care service users and staff to get involved in a variety of activities including meeting players, coffee mornings, walking football and visits to the Goldsands Stadium.