Two Winchester care homes came together for a summer fete in aid of a charity that supports elderly people in the area.

Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View, who are both owned by Colton Care, jointly raised £1,020 for MHA Communities Winchester.

The charity provides social events and activities for around 350 older people across Winchester who live in their own homes and may be experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Activities include exercise classes, lunch clubs, singing, drama, day trips and holidays.

Even before the fete, the care homes had raised more than £1,800 for the charity despite community events being constrained by lockdown.

The summer fete was held on the green in Dyson Drive off Worthy Road, close to Abbotts Barton. It featured live music, children’s games, hot food, cakes, tombola and a sale of plants arranged by residents of both homes.

Abbotts Barton Home Manager, Dee Lovewell, said: “Getting involved in fundraising and events such as the fete enables our residents to continue to play a part in the wider community. They love it.”

Abbotts Barton resident, Rosemary Smale, said: “We were very lucky with the weather as it was nice and sunny. I enjoyed having a look at the stalls. There was a good variety.”

Among the guests at the fete was the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Vivian Achwal, who said: “It was a pleasure to be invited along to the joint family day for St Catherines View and Abbotts Barton care homes.

“There was a great turnout and the stalls were lovely, especially the craft stall featuring items handmade by residents from Abbotts Barton. There was some beautiful live music as well as delicious food. A wonderful community event.”