ELDERLY residents of a Carnforth care home have had their creative efforts recognised as part of a special exhibition.

Abbeyfield's Cove House contributed to the Breath of Fresh Air Pop-Up Gardens event at The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland.

The brainchild of older people’s housing and care charity Abbeyfield, the exhibition featured self-contained displays of outdoor scenes.

These 'pop-up gardens' were housed in recycled bags and suitcases and created using arts and crafts materials.

Former schoolteacher Margaret Trivias, 77, was one of several Cove House residents involved in creating a pop-up garden based on the Carnforth care home for the exhibition.

She said: “There’s something about nature that really does improve your life.

"I had two allotments when I lived in London and in the wartime I lived and helped out on my uncle’s dairy farm. They were very happy times.

"Making the suitcase garden brought back these memories and it was lovely to talk about these with other people.

“It’s good to do things like this, instead of just sitting in a chair. It’s much better to have activities, particularly for people who are not so mobile. It gets you enjoying life, and chatting with each other and becoming friends.”

Abbeyfield patron and founder of The Alnwick Garden and The Elderberries Charity, The Duchess of Northumberland said: "I am delighted that so many people have been inspired by our great outdoors and that the project has captured the imagination of people the length and breadth the country, bringing them together to forge new friendships while creating these amazing pieces of art."