RESIDENTS from five New Forest care homes joined families and friends for a French-themed afternoon tea that raised hundreds for Parkinson’s UK.

Boldre War Memorial Hall was transformed into a Parisian-style restaurant as the parties from Colten Care and other community organisations sampled homemade patisserie delights.

More than 100 guests listened and danced along to traditional French songs played live on accordion, guitar and double bass by French-costumed New Milton group Café Mondial.

Tickets and donations helped the event raise £700 for the New Forest Branch of Parkinson’s UK.

One resident of Linden House, Colten Care’s dementia care home in Lymington, Liz, said: “We had smiles on our faces all afternoon, clapping and dancing. We absolutely loved it. It was wonderful from start to finish.”

Residents from fellow Lymington homes Court Lodge and Belmore Lodge, plus Kingfishers in New Milton and Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, also enjoyed the occasion. Peter Doyle, Colten Care operations manager, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to help put on such a happy, successful occasion for our residents, the Parkinson’s group members and the local community.

“It was great to chat to people who had a good time enjoying the chance to relax, meet friends and listen to very talented musicians at what was an amazing event.”