PUPILS are sending heart-warming letters and drawings to elderly people after a care home in Swindon closed its doors to visitors to protect residents from the coronavirus.

More than 300 pupils from Holy Cross Catholic Primary will write letters and draw cards to support those isolated at Church View Nursing Home in Stratton St Margaret.

Headteacher Karen Salter said: “When we heard that some care homes were going to close, we knew that some people will be experiencing long isolation.

“We wanted to find a way to get ourselves into the care homes without actually going. We want to spread a bit of joy.

“The link between the young and the old generation is really important. We want people to know that they are not forgotten.

“After we posted on Facebook, we knew lots and lots of care homes would want us to send them something. So, we asked all of our children to create something.”

She added: “We are sending them just in Swindon but if homes around the country contact the school, we would be more than happy to send them too. Church View Nursing is the first on the list.”

Managed by Coate Water Care, Church View Nursing Home restricted access to relatives on March 11.

General manager Tracy Ferrier asked people on Facebook to send letters, drawings or cards.

She said: “The home has been trying to actively set up penpals for some time. Due to the pandemic, our home is closed for the safety of the residents at present. We have a Facebook page where we post regular updates and pictures of activities and entertainment that is happening in and out of the home.

“This is a good place to keep family, friends, loved ones up to date with news.

"But the activities co-ordinator Helen Walker felt that posting on our page would encourage family and friends to write to their loved ones, and for them to share our page to reach the wider community.”

She added: “We have been completely overwhelmed with the love and support where people are sending and sharing their everyday life, stories and pictures.”

The home has received emails and letters from all across the globe, from France to Australia.

“Most are being sent to me by e-mail which are printed and given to the activities staff and carers to read and discuss with the residents,” Tracy said.

“This has already sparked great topics of conversations with the residents reminiscing and sharing their many stories.

“The residents have loved to see what other people are doing in the world. We intend to reply to as many as we can.

“We thank everyone for their ongoing support.”