CARE home residents picked up their pencils and went back to the drawing board for a national arts festival.

Residents ans staff at Colne View care home in Dame Mary Walk, Halstead, took part in the Big Draw Festival.

Partnering with the Big Draw charity, it was a third successful year for the festival which aims to promote the therapeutic benefits of drawing.

As part of the event, residents and team members created works of art around the theme of climate change, while also talking about how the world has changed over the years.

Launched in 2000 as part of the Campaign for Drawing, the month-long Big Draw Festival promotes drawing and has encouraged over four million people to get arty since it started.

This year’s 'Make a Change' theme focuses on the relationship between people and their living environments.

The home says it offers a great opportunity for older people to reminisce about their favourite nature spots, how the environment has changed, and look to the future at what action can be taken.

Spokesman Kim Richardson said: “It was wonderful to take part in the Big Draw for the third year – the residents were quick off the draw to get involved and put their drawing skills to the test.

“Creative activities play a big part of life here at Colne View, and we actively encourage residents to continue lifelong arty hobbies and try new expressive pastimes through imaginative and creative activities planned by our lifestyle team.

"Drawing has a variety of benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it provides an alternative way to communicate and express emotions, and an opportunity to relive happy memories.

“We certainly have some budding artists here at Colne View, and we can’t wait to display our works of art around the home.”