THE sky was the limit for care home residents when they took part in an ‘Around the World’ balloon release.

Residents and guests at Willowdene Care Home in Sedgefield attached personal messages to the balloons in the hope of receiving a reply from whoever finds them.

Each balloon was decorated to represent different countries to commemorate the Commonwealth Games and the Fifa World Cup.

The event was held last month as part of National Care Home Open Day, a nationwide initiative that encourages the UK’s care homes to invite members of the community into the home for entertainment and activities

Guests at the Willowdene open day were also treated to a performance with an international flavour by singer Sue Cassidy .

Angela Penman, activities co-ordinator at Willowdene, which offers care to those with personal nursing needs and dementia, said it had been a fantastic event.

“We all enjoyed taking part in the balloon release,” she said.

“All eyes were on the sky as we watched the balloons fly away.

“Our residents really enjoyed decorating the balloons and coming up with their messages for the balloon release.

“We really hope that we get some replies from the messages we sent so we can see just how far our balloons went.”