PENSIONERS at a home for people with dementia showed their Christmas spirit when they enjoyed a fun day making a festive cake.

Guests at Ashlar House Day Centre in The Plain, Epping, made the tasty treat, in the shape of a tree, with help from staff.

Susan Lawlor, day centre coordinator, said: “It was absolutely fantastic because it helped bring back a lot of memories to our guests to times when they used to make cakes, which is so important for people with dementia.

“We went to Tesco's in Harlow beforehand to buy the ingredients and they loved that as well. The manager was very kind and let us have all the food for half price.”

The event was held as part of a nationwide competition by the Barchester group, which owns care homes across the country.

Ashlar manager Anne Driscoll added: “Our guests enjoyed baking the Christmas cake and had such fun decorating it.

“It would be lovely to win a prize for our cake, however we’ve had such a wonderful day anyway.”

The winners of the contest will be announced in January.