HAWAII was the destination of choice for Ellesmere Port care home residents – overcoming international travel restrictions with their imagination.

Residents and staff at Aaron Court Care Home, on Princes Road, got dressed in grass skirts and leis and sipped smoothies in the sunshine for their Hawaii-themed party.

Entertainer Chris Jones, also donning a grass skirt and lei, performed residents’ favourite 50s and 60s classics, including the Beach Boys and Elvis Presley.

A drinks trolley was transformed into a smoothie bar with flowers, coloured paper baubles and a sign saying 'Aloha' – with flavours including mango and pineapple, strawberry and banana or mixed berries.

Inflatable palm trees, beach balls and pineapples completed the pacific island look for the party – held in the home’s garden to take advantage of the sunny weather.

Resident Ellen Sadler said: “I haven’t been to the Caribbean but I have been to Florida, which has palm trees. I really enjoyed Chris singing and having a dance.”

Both Dennis Hotchkiss and Mary Pendrey agreed they “really enjoyed drinking their smoothies” and Joyce Healey added: “I enjoyed the music and sang along with some of the songs.”

Activities co-ordinator Julie Painter made the Hawaiian themed trolley and manned it with RGN Claire Sephton. Julie said: “As we can’t go to Hawaii, we decided to bring the islands to us.

“The sunny weather gave us the perfect opportunity to throw a party in the garden and everyone got into the Hawaii spirit with an excellent performance from entertainer Chris Jones.”