IRVINE care home residents have been enjoying a 'cruise around the world' on a ship dubbed the 'Armchair Adventures'.

The latest stop for those at Cumbrae Lodge was Mexico - where they stopped off to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Residents at the Irvine care home were joined by their family and friends last week for a Mexican-themed party to celebrate the North American festival.

It was the first stop on Cumbrae Lodge's ‘cruise around the world’ armchair travel activity, which, throughout the year, will see residents at the care home, owned by Four Seasons, experiencing the sights, sounds, tastes and culture of destinations they’ve always wanted to visit.

The 'ship' will also be docking at fondly remembered destinations, so residents can share their stories about their travels in the past and take a trip down memory lane.

Last week's fiesta had all the ingredients to transport guests to central Mexico, with vibrant decorations, lively music and lots of maraca shaking.

Irvine Times:

After playing pin the tail on the donkey and enjoying a singalong to the Mexican Hat Dance, the care home’s chefs prepared margaritas, mocktails and a feast of quesadillas, chilli and nachos for a Mexican lunch.

Resident John Patterson, aged 81, said: “I absolutely loved the event as it reminded me of when I use to work in Mexico!”

While the care home’s magic moments coordinator, Lynette Cushnaghan, added: “The preparations for our Cinco de Mayo fiesta started weeks ago with everyone at Cumbrae Lodge getting involved.

"Our residents made colourful decorations and props in their craft activities, so we were ready to party Mexican style!

“It’s been a very exciting first port of call on our world cruise and everyone enjoyed experiencing the Mexican culture and loved the food.

"We’re now deciding what our next destination will be, having already booked Paris for the Olympics in July and Lapland for the festive season in our 'cruise' diary.”