ELDERLY care home residents experienced a day of pirate-themed activities at the King’s Centre in Oxford yesterday.

Orders of St John Care Trust brought together residents, staff and volunteers from 17 of its county care homes for the event.

About 230 people in total filled the centre and were treated to live music, pirates greeting them on stilts, fish and chips and a pirate show.

People were also able to touch and pose for pictures with a python, baby crocodile, squirrel monkey and lemur, provided by Amazing Animals.

It is the eighth year the trust has organised the event.

Organiser Sharon Wheeler said: “It was fantastic and the feedback has been really, really good. The residents had an amazing day.”

Jeff Denton, activities co-ordinator at the Old Station House Care Home in Abingdon, dressed as a pirate for the event.

He said: “It went really well and the residents seemed to enjoy it.

“The importance of the day is that it brings together all the homes.

“We live in our bubbles in our homes, so every now and again we get together to see each other and share ideas.”