RESIDENTS at a Dorset care home thanked local children for their handmade lockdown cards of kindness with a special delivery of sweets.

Children from Hillside Preschool and Early Learning Group designed and created Easter cards for the residents of Verwood House care home to support them amid the pandemic, which has been a trying time for many.

The children were thrilled to receive the 'thank you' sweets last week from the care home, and it is hoped the exchange of gifts and cards will continue to strengthen the relationship between the care home and the preschool even further.

Verwood House’s Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach, Emilia Turner, who handed over the sweet gifts to the children, said: "Our residents were so delighted to receive a postbag of truly wonderful cards from the children this spring.

"The gifts really touched all of our hearts here at Verwood, especially as certain lockdown restrictions continued. We wanted to think of a way to return the favour and we know most children love sweets, so we asked the school about that.

"Most crucially, these relationships are so important in helping to bring the generations together, everyone benefits throughout the community."

Verwood House resident Mavis Owen said that the cards were a "lovely surprise" and that it looked like children worked "so hard" to make them.

Mavis added: "I hope they like the sweets too."

Manager at Hillside Pre-School and Early Learning Group, Elaine Ford said: "The children from Hillside Preschool used their creative talents to design Easter cards for the residents of the Verwood House Care Home.

"The residents were so pleased to receive such thoughtful cards and messages and wanted to give the children some sweets and cards to say thank you.

"The staff were happy to extend the children's knowledge and awareness of their local community; especially through the pandemic when children may not have been able to see their own grandparents.

"We are hoping to strengthen our partnership throughout the year."