CARE homes often have special guests to help entertain residents, but a home near Witney played host to a particularly big one.

Residents at Middletown Grange Care Home, Hailey, were treated to a visit by a large, white horse.

Highlight entertained the elderly residents by trotting around the home’s garden and munching on a bowl of carrots.

Joyce Clews, 93, said she thought Highlight’s visit had been a delightful idea.

Fellow resident Minnie Swadling, 87, said the visit had brought back some happy memories, but said seeing the horse in the home’s garden had been “a bit of a surprise”.

The visit was organised by activities coordinator Karen Devonald.

She said: “Animals have a wonderfully positive effect on our residents, ranging from calming to pure excitement – and it doesn’t get more exciting than a visiting horse.”

Highlight was taken along by owner Elpie Lewis, from Witheridge Farm, Hailey.

She said: “Highlight’s having a great time. I didn’t know how she would behave, but she’s been perfect.”

Home general manager David Groves said: “We do all sorts of things here to stimulate the residents, but I have been here 10 years and this is the most unusual visit we’ve had.”

Other activities planned for coming months include a visit from an owl and a Nintendo Wii games console.

Middletown Grange is a residential and nursing home that specialises in care for people with dementia or Alzheimer's.