A COACH-LOAD of Oxford residents aged 16 to 96 revived their memories of holidays on the British coast on a trip to Southsea this week.

Organised by Blackbird Leys-based elderly social group Friendleys, the visit to the Portsmouth seaside resort saw three generations dip their toes in the sea.

Group members, as well as residents and carers from Longlands Care Home in nearby Balfour Road and Townsend House in Headington, came along on Wednesday (27/4).

Friendleys founder Liz Helliwell spent months planning the trip, helped along by a £250 donation from Northfield Brook councillor Sian Taylor.

She said: "The weather held out and people enjoyed themselves. To see people coming from Townsend House and Longlands and see the enjoyment on their faces has lifted my heart no end, and I'm pleased that Friendleys can go out and help them."

On the day the gaggle of visitors took in the sea air on the pebble beach, had a flutter in the arcade and enjoyed a traditional fish and chip lunch in the sun.

Some ventured further along the strip into Portsmouth itself to explore the shops, castle and Spinnaker Tower.

For Friendleys regular Alan Wright, 81, the trip held a special significance. He said: "I have been coming here since I was a tiny boy, when I was about four.

"It has changed a lot; for one thing the pier has closed, but it's still a lovely place. I was watching the hovercraft and the ferries going out."

Longlands resident Anthony Robert Arnett, 85, ate sausage, egg and chips at a local pub before grabbing a bag of candy-floss for the journey home.

He said: "I always enjoy my meals. It was a good day and I shouldn't mind going again, as long as my feet don't let up on me."

Several of those at Longlands, which offers specialist care for people with dementia and physical disabilities, have not left the home for a long time.

Among them was Lilly, 96, the home's oldest resident. Longlands chef Marshall Martin, who joined the group on the day, said: "I've had an amazing day and it was good to get the residents out and see them happy. It was nice for Lilly to get out because she hasn't left for ages. She used to go to the beach before, when she was more mobile."

Activities co-ordinator Angela Lindsay added that Southsea had been "a place for all the senses" with "a totally different atmosphere, an old-fashioned British holiday".

The group also thanked Graham Parry of Goldline Services, Woodstock, who drove all 44 to and from Blackbird Leys on the day.