A LINE dancer has been keeping elderly people in care homes entertained with both her performances and squirrel tables.

Alison Green has kicked off some new lessons at homes across Swindon to keep those living there entertained during lockdown.

She said: “I’m a dance instructor for M4 Stompers and obviously during the pandemic I haven’t been able to teach any classes, so that’s why I decided to do this.

“We do it in the car parks and gardens so we can socially distance from the residents. It has really helped to entertain and cheer them up during this time.

“It’s been a lot harder for care homes because they’ve had to protect their residents as they’re elderly and more vulnerable. I think a bit of music and dancing is helping them to get their minds off of it.”

Alison has visited those living at Edgehill, Church View and Fitzwarren House.

And she has been getting volunteers together to build bird and squirrel tables.

The idea came from Jonathan Churchward, who built one for Edgehill to put smiles on the faces of the staff and residents.

His cousin, Zoe Ratcliff, is the activities coordinator and loves what Alison has been doing.

Zoe said: “It's lovely. The residents here really enjoyed the dancing and having something different to do.

“At the moment, while we’re in lockdown, I think it’s really important to get them out into the garden and being with nature.

"Them getting to do this and seeing the squirrel table really makes a difference to them.

“The benches are the cutest things and the bird feeders are lovely, they make a nice touch.”

Alison will be returning to the homes with more line dancing in July.