A trail of fluffy four-legged friends were the latest groups to visit residents at a Middlesbrough care home.

Rabbits and guinea pigs hopped in to see residents at The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, for an animal therapy session.

Staff from Pets at Home in Stockton-on-Tees brought the animals for residents to hold and stroke.

Pam Rodgers, the home manager at The Gables Care Home, said: “Watching, stroking and holding guinea pigs, rabbits and other animals can have a calming and positive impact on everyone – but especially those living with dementia.

“They might bring back fond memories of their own pets or give them something to focus on and care for. Everyone had big smiles on their faces at the end of the session.”

After holding the rabbit, resident Maureen Hall said: “How wonderful is he. I could hold him all day.”