A THORNTON-le-Dale resident was sizzling with excitement as she experienced her first barbecue - days before her 94th birthday.

Joyce Allen, who lives at The Hall Residential Care Home, was given the opportunity to select a birthday theme.

She decided to bring summer to the home; having never attended a barbecue before.

The care home chef prepared a barbecue with burgers, sausages and other essentials, while decorating the garden with a beach backdrop, deckchairs and picnic blankets.

During the event, it was discovered that other residents had never been to a barbecue either.

“I have no words for what the staff have done for me, I feel like royalty,” said Joyce.

“Even with all this coronavirus going on, they have never failed to treat us to special events.

“All the staff at the care home have pulled together to give us a lovely day, as they always do.”

The Hall, in Thornton-le-Dale, provides 24-hour care and support, day care and respite services to elderly residents.

Diane Hagan, care home manager at The Hall, said: “We are delighted that Joyce and the other residents enjoyed their barbecue.

“Here at The Hall, we are always open to new experiences that we can share with our residents.

“While lockdown has been difficult for everyone, we have gone out of our way to ensure residents never miss out on fun.

“It’s business as usual here.”