DOZENS of red balloons have been released into the air today by an elderly care home near Alveston to celebrate this year’s Red Nose Day.

All 55 residents of Windmill House Care Home in Old Down, as well as many of the staff, stepped out into the sunshine to take part in the fundraiser, and have asked members of the community lend a hand.

Each balloon has a tag attached, with details of the home and a number which is allocated to the resident that released it.

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Anyone who finds a balloon are asked to get in touch using the contact details attached to let them know they have found it.

For every balloon found, the home will donate £5 to Comic Relief, with a special £50 donation also being made for the balloon that travels the furthest.

“We just wanted to raise some money for Comic Relief,” said the home’s manager Sarah Ashcroft.

“Having everyone release the balloons together has been a lot of fun and helps our residents get involved, which is great to see.

“We have been really lucky with the weather, and I think everyone has really enjoyed themselves.”

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Ms Ashcroft praised the staff for putting in the hard work and coming up with great ideas to engage the elderly people in the home, who range from 73 to 99-years-old.

“The staff put a lot of work into everything around here, coming up with great ideas.

“This outward thinking helps make sure our residents are involved in the community and big events, like today, and I really cannot thank them enough.”