RESIDENTS at a Middlewich care facility have been treated to a surprise afternoon tea.

Staff at Willowmere normally organise lots of activities for retired people who live independently in self-contained apartments but due to coronavirus their community events have been cancelled.

"We tend to have a lot of activities going on but all that stopped because of social distancing," said Elaine Smith, care team manager of Radis Community Care. "We are trying to keep morale going and residents' spirits up.

"The afternoon tea was a spur of the moment thing, a bit of a treat. I do a lot of baking for the residents so I made cakes, scones and sausage rolls and everyone joined in. All the team got involved and families of the residents also baked for us."

READ > Heartless thieves take 36 flower holders from Middlewich Cemetery

Northwich Guardian:

Some of the cakes baked by families of residents

The daughter of one resident baked a batch of fairy cakes.

A selection of freshly baked cakes and sandwiches was wheeled round all the apartments.

"Everyone enjoyed the afternoon tea and thought it was lovely," said Elaine. "There is a lovely family atmosphere here."

Northwich Guardian:

Willowmere residents enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea in their own apartments

Members of Your Housing Group who own the building also teamed up to support the event.

Staff and residents would like to say a big thank you to all the families and the local community.

"Residents' families have been absolutely brilliant," said Elaine. "They are always sending cards and presents to thank us. We have had lovely things sent in from the local community and bakeries.

Northwich Guardian:

Home baked cakes, scones and sandwiches were served

"People in Middlewich are very generous. We really appreciate everyone's support."

Residents live independently in 71 self-contained apartments, with their own kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and bedrooms, with support and care packages provided daily by a team of 16 staff.

Fortunately, they have had no cases of coronavirus.

"We are fine here, we have been quite lucky," said Elaine. "Everyone is abiding with government guidelines and because they have individual apartments residents are social distancing."