A Congleton care home is opening its doors to the public this summer.

Astbury Mere Care Home is inviting local families to enjoy free children's activities in its gardens throughout the summer holidays.

Running every Monday for six weeks, the programme will offer activities for children to enjoy alongside residents, including those living with dementia, creating opportunities for different generations to meet, take part and spend time together.

Home manager, Emma Hackett, said: "Our garden is at its best when it is being enjoyed by our residents, relatives and members of the local community, so we are delighted to be opening it up for six weeks of free children's activities this summer.

"Bringing children and residents together can create wonderful moments. Children bring energy and curiosity, while our residents have their own experiences, stories and skills to share.

"These connections can be particularly meaningful for our residents living with dementia, who can enjoy taking part in activities and spending time with visitors in a familiar setting.

"Our residents have helped guide the development of the garden, from choosing flowers and plants to deciding how different areas should be used.

"We now want to share the space with more local families and give children something enjoyable to look forward to each week during the summer holidays."

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The programme is part of Porthaven Care Homes' annual Garden Challenge.

Rather than setting a shared theme this year, homes were asked to shape their outdoor spaces around what residents themselves enjoy and choose to do, using the garden to support wellbeing and to keep residents connected to the things and people that matter to them.

Astbury Mere's garden now includes a new children's play area, a vegetable and herb patch, a dedicated veterans area and a refurbished summer house.