ARTWORK by two residents at a Cross Hills care home is being showcased online as part of a national initiative.

Paintings by Ann Wiseman, 82, and Margaret Maudsley, 95, both residents at Anchor's Townend Close, were chosen for inclusion in the project – marking National Day of Arts in Care Homes.

The pair said they were "thrilled" to learn their work had been selected for the gallery, which is spotlighting how art has been used to keep care settings connected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ann, who has lived at Townend Close for more than two years, created a watercolour of an owl.

She said: “I enjoy being creative and doing paintings because I like to see the end products. It’s very rewarding.

"I chose to paint an owl because it is my favourite bird.

“I’ve been doing artwork since I went to night school more than 40 years ago. I have previously had a magazine rack I made photographed for an exhibition.”

For Margaret, whose piece chosen for the gallery is called Life Is Better With Friends, it's the first time any of her artwork has been displayed publicly.

“I used to paint as a child but I hadn’t done so since moving into Townend Close," she said.

“I chose the topic of friendship because I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of friends throughout my life. Friendship is important for everyone and is particularly significant now because of coronavirus.

“I enjoy painting but my passion was embroidery, which I found relaxing and it was satisfying to see the finished items. I used to make tablecloths and napkins, plus pictures to display around my home. Friends used to comment on how beautiful they were.”

Residents and staff from the home took part in a range of activities as part of the national celebration day.

They joined with more than 30 Anchor care homes across England on Zoom for an art-themed quiz.

A live Indian dancing demonstration was broadcast to homes. And residents were encouraged to take part in chair-based dance exercises run by Bisakha Sarker, artistic director of Chaturangan Indian Dance.

Diane Armstrong, wellness advisor with Anchor, said: “We were so happy to take part in the National Day of Arts in Care Homes, as it builds on the many creative activities we already organise in our homes across England.

“Art is a wonderful way for residents to express their feelings and show off their flare and for others to appreciate the talents of the people who live in our care homes.”

The online gallery of artwork can be viewed at anchorhanover.org.uk/arts-in-care-homes-day.