A 95-year-old care home resident "couldn't believe her eyes" when she came face-to-face with two reindeer at her bedside.

The animals were carefully led through Heathfield Court, in Erith, into the lifts and to Elsie Hodge’s room on the first floor where she stroked and patted them.

The visit was part of the home's Christmas celebrations.

Elsie's daughter, Jill Bickerstaffe, thanked staff for making sure her mum did not miss any of the fun.

She said: "Mum has advanced dementia and her communication is limited, so it was wonderful to see her face light up with sheer delight when she saw the reindeer. It was definitely a 'wow' moment for her.

"The team members at the home never cease to amaze me, they organise so many events and activities for the residents every single week, and no-one ever gets forgotten."

Donna Jewiss, lifestyle co-ordinator at Heathfield Court, said: “It was simply magical when Elsie saw the reindeer walk into her bedroom, she couldn’t believe her eyes.

"She was smiling and laughing and couldn’t wait to stroke them.

"Animals have such a wonderful effect on residents, they are so therapeutic and calming.

"All the residents loved meeting the reindeer and they really brought to life the Christmas spirit in our home."

The reindeer were adored by all residents, including 88-year-old Rose Harrington, who said: "I stroked them and they were so soft to touch – I wanted to kiss them.

"They had such trustworthy eyes. It was a dream come true to see them as I’ve only ever seen them in a field, never up close.

"There were buses going past and the passengers on the upper deck were looking down with disbelief that we actually had reindeer here. It was a wonderful day and so unexpected."

The event also saw residents, their friends, family and the wider community invited to the Colyers Lane home's Christmas lights switch-on.

The garden’s summer house was transformed into a cosy wintry log cabin with Nordic decorations.

Santa, played by Mark Salter, the home’s minibus driver, handed out presents to visiting children.

Residents and guests also enjoyed singing carols while eating home-made mince pies and sipping mulled wine.

Gina Kitchenham, manager at Heathfield Court, said: “This year we pulled out all the stops to make sure we’ve transformed Heathfield into a magical Christmas wonderland.

"It was brilliant to welcome so many of our residents’ friends and family, as well as members of the community, to celebrate with us. We really are one big family so being able to bring everyone together was incredibly special.

"The reindeer were the icing on the cake – they delight everyone, young and old. It’s such a special and happy time of year and it’s important to us that every resident is able to participate and share in the joy."