A two-week-old lamb delighted care home residents with a visit for Easter.

Rusty - from Wye Community Farm - was kitted up with a nappy made for dogs for his trip out on Monday.

The orphaned Portland first went to Brambles Care Home in the village, where he was bottle-fed and received cuddles from the elderly occupants.

Rusty was a little sheepish at first, but quickly settled in and enjoyed exploring the living room at the Wye facility.

Resident Lise said: “I think he’s absolutely gorgeous.

“It’s nice to have him in the home. I think it’s very good for everybody.

“It makes you feel all maternal again.”

She added: “I think he’s beautiful.”

Another resident, Joan, said: “He’s so delicate. It’s difficult to think he’s going to grow into a full-sized sheep.

“I enjoyed cuddling him. It brings out the mothering instinct.”

The lamb was brought to the home as part of the Cuddle Club, a volunteer-run group which brings furry friends - usually dogs - to schools and care facilities.

Pet therapy is a proven step in helping to stimulate the minds of elderly residents.

Each person will interact differently with them in residential care homes, with some seeking comfort and others being inspired to get more active.

It goes much further than just cats or dogs taken to homes, with farmyard or other unusual species, such as alpacas or owls, typically also providing positive experiences, as well as lambs.

Head of the scheme Lesley Hutt told KentOnline: "What we do is really rewarding.

"It's amazing to see the smiles on the residents' faces."

The animal therapy the group provides benefits many lonely or isolated elderly people.

The 55-year-old explained: "Some who don't communicate start talking to the animals and it really brings them out of their shell."

The club is looking for friendly, gentle pooches to join in.

For more information, please contact Lesley on 07856 170627.