RESIDENTIAL care home provider and charity Care South has renewed its partnership with AFC Bournemouth's Community Sports Trust.

Cherries' winger Marc Pugh and the Premier League Club's head of Community Sport Trust Steve Cuss visited residents at Care South's Fairlawn care home in Ferndown.

The pair met with Care South chief executive Simon Bird to announce the continuing partnership, which is now in its fifth year.

Marc, ambassador for the initiative, spoke to residents about AFC Bournemouth's season so far.

Meanwhile, Mr Cuss said: "Care South residents always give Marc a fantastic welcome. He is a huge supporter of this partnership, and that’s what makes him such a great ambassador.

"He and the Community Sports Trust team are looking forward to visiting as many residents as their schedule allows, and showing his football skills to the residents and seeing a few of theirs."

The partnership encourages staff and residents of Care South's care homes and care service clients to participate in activities where they can meet players, enjoy coffee mornings and become involved in walking football and stadium visits.

Mr Bird explained: "The partnership with AFC Bournemouth is one that we really cherish. Over the past 12 months Steve and his team have undertaken over 90 visits to all of our Dorset homes. We are delighted to be renewing the partnership again.

"It is great to see that despite the demands of a very strong start in the Premiership this season, Marc still has time to be the ambassador for the partnership and visit our homes – he is very popular with all our residents.

"We are always so impressed with the way that Marc, Steve and the trainee coaches help with activities, interact and reminisce with our residents when they visit our homes."