A CARE home’s answer to Crufts was a big success as residents enjoyed spending time with playful pups.

Colne House care home, in Earls Colne, put on its own mini-Crufts event for residents.

Members of the public were invited to take their prized pooches in to make friends and bring some joy to the animal lovers.

Halstead Gazette: The home's mini Crufts day was popular once againThe home's mini Crufts day was popular once again (Image: N/A)

Halstead Gazette: One resident enjoys feeding one of the dogsOne resident enjoys feeding one of the dogs (Image: N/A)

The dogs were shown off to the care home residents with every one of the canines earning a least one rosette.

Deputy manager Sarah Bloomfield said: “We did it last year which went well and we also did it because one of our residents, Margaret Cheek, used to do dog shows.

“She really enjoyed herself as did all the residents and guests.”

Halstead Gazette: Dogs of all shapes and sizes were special guests at Colne HouseDogs of all shapes and sizes were special guests at Colne House (Image: N/A)

Halstead Gazette: Visitors enjoyed showing of their dogs and spending time with residentsVisitors enjoyed showing of their dogs and spending time with residents (Image: N/A)

The day saw visitors bringing their pooches along to show off and play with the home’s residents.

Sarah added: “Dog therapy is really popular and really important.

“It was really nice for the residents to interact with the dogs, and we also made some ‘pupcakes’ out of dog-friendly materials for them to enjoy too.

“All of the dogs who took part were also given rosettes.

“The feedback was really nice and all of the public enjoyed the day.”

Halstead Gazette: All dogs were given rosettes and 'pupcakes'All dogs were given rosettes and 'pupcakes' (Image: N/A)

Halstead Gazette: A pup poses with its pink rosetteA pup poses with its pink rosette (Image: N/A)

The day was one of many Colne House regularly puts on for residents.

Sarah said: “We do regular events to raise awareness for the home and for the residents.

“We have a small minibus and often go to Halstead’s Empire cinema. We have general trips out like the beach and of course in-house activities, bingo and cooking.

“We have bigger events too to fundraise for the home and local charities.

“We had one last Halloween which was fundraising for the home and went towards the St Andrew's bell fund.

“The event we have coming in the summer will be for the music department at Earls Colne Primary.

“All of this is so important for the stimulation of the residents, but it also keeps the community involved.

“The manager Victoria Franklin and I always want to keep everyone involved and we are very lucky with volunteers who always help out.”