STAFF at a care home near Ringwood hosted an exclusive lunch for a couple celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary.

Jim, 93 and Mary Hill, 83, who live at St Ives care home in Horton Road, Ashley Heath, were surprised when staff turned the Bistro into a romantic restaurant.

A lunch was then prepared by head chef Patrick Fensterseifer, including a cake presented by the home’s new manager Emma Cotton.

St Ives House have also been going above and beyond for residents who have had birthday’s during the Covid-19 lockdown.

One resident celebrated her birthday with a visit from her family in the St Ives House garden, complete with another decadent cake baked and decorated by Patrick.

St Ives House is managed by not-for-profit charity Care South, a provider of residential, dementia, and nursing care, as well as care at home services.

A Care South spokesperson said: “Whilst we have to take measures to ensure residents remain safe, it’s great that they can still celebrate the special occasions in their lives with their loved ones.

“Thanks to the incredible work of our teams in the care homes, they are all Covid-19 free and live has been able to continue largely as normal for the residents.

“Few a few weeks now, we have been able to welcome relatives back for visits in a socially distanced way, and it’s great to see the smiles and happy memories these reunions create.

“We are also introducing ways for people looking for a care to see what it is like in our homes without visiting in person. To find out more, visit our website: www.care-south.co.uk.”