Residents at Newcroft Lodge in Holywood took part in activities with animals from Ark Open Farm. The visitors included chicks, a rabbit named Bluebell and baby lambs named Andrew and Andrea. Participants held the animals, petted them and assisted in feeding the lambs.

Newcroft Lodge operates under the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. The trust provides domiciliary and residential care services across parts of County Down and further afield in Northern Ireland.

Resident Thelma Quick noted her enjoyment of the rabbit and recalled a childhood surrounded by animals in a large family. Domiciliary care worker Donna Wiles stated that the visit proved therapeutic for residents and forms part of regular activities at the lodge.