Bearded dragons, lizards, guinea pigs and tortoises added a touch of animal magic to a family fun day at The Elms in Chester-le-Street (April 8).
Organised by local housing provider Cestria, the event at the new £6.5m extra care development featured animal entertainment provided by North-East based Zoo Academy.
Residents and their families were able to learn about and handle the animals, as Zoo Academy’s scientists explained about their natural habitats. The day was also open to families from Moorfoot Avenue, pupils from Cestria Primary School and Newker Primary School in the town.
Casting her spell on the event was magician Wizadora, while younger visitors could have their faces painted, enter an Easter egg decorating competition, or try their luck on a chocolate tombola which raised £65 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham.
Localism officer Lewis Rimington said: “I was delighted to see so many smiling faces throughout the event.
“We hope The Elms will become a community hub and to see young children, their parents and the residents of the Elms, come together on a fun afternoon was a great start.”
Cestria’s community engagement officer Paul Hadden said: “As well as being a fun day the event was also a chance to say thank you to those living nearby who might have been affected during the construction period of The Elms.
“It is a big, imposing building and its integration into the local community is key; for example, there is a café within the development which is open to the general public, and we encourage residents from the area to call in and enjoy the facilities.
“As one of our flagship developments, it is important to us that we take the local residents with us on our journey, with what is a significant investment in the area and in the local community.”
The Elms is a state-of-the-art extra care development of 52 high quality one and two bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom bungalows. Specifically designed for people aged 55 and over, properties are available to rent, through shared ownership or outright sale.
Further information on renting an apartment at The Elms is available from Customer Services at Cestria Community Housing on Tel. (0191) 3851900. For details about sales and shared ownership, please contact J.W. Wood on Tel. (0191) 3887245.