Lions and tigers help care homes celebrate Hug a Bear Day

NURSERY children and elderly care home residents have enjoyed a teddy bears’ picnic with Middlesbrough FC’s Roary the Lion.

The club mascot accompanied residents from Ingleby Care Home to a see the children at Busy Bees Nursery, on Myton Road, Thornaby.

They all enjoyed a singalong to nursery rhymes, a cuddle with Roary and a picnic as part of national Hug a Bear Day.

The residents also took teddy bears with them to give to the children.

Margaret Salmon, who lives at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb lane, Ingleby Barwick, said: “I love having the children with us. It takes me back to when I brought my children up and then helped bring up my grandchildren.”

Fellow resident Moira Hall said: “I really enjoyed myself. Having a teddy bears’ picnic with the children was just lovely.”

Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, said: “Our residents thoroughly enjoy it when children of all ages come to visit them.

“Today’s picnic was lots of fun, as we got to pay a visit to the children at their nursery, and the children were delighted to meet Roary too.”

Nursery manager Kelly Nicholson said: “The children really enjoyed themselves.

“They were a bit shy at first but they soon came around and grew a bond with the residents. We look forward to having them back soon for a Christmas sing along.”

Mandale House Care Home, which is part of the Hill Care Group, alongside Ingleby Care Home, also took part in national Hug a Bear Day celebrations.

The home, in Thornaby, was visited by a tiger for the day.

Tracy Wilson, activities coordinator at Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, said: “Everyone thought the tiger was great and shared a smile when he walked in.”