Elderly locals were delighted when children visited them during a recent tour around Lancashire.

The initiative was arranged by care provider Right at Home South Liverpool & Halton and its sister branch Right at Home Preston & South Ribble.

The children, aged six to 11 years old, surprised each resident with a bouquet of flowers during the visits.

Right at Home provides care and support for older and disabled adults in their own homes.

With offices in Preston, South Ribble, South Liverpool and Halton, team members planned visits for their children hoping to spread joy among clients, some of whom had recently experienced personal losses.

One 92-year-old woman said: "What a wonderful surprise.

The visit brought smiles to everyone's facesThe visit brought smiles to everyone's faces (Image: Right at Home)

"It was so lovely to see all of these young smiling faces.

"Thank you, Right at Home, this was amazing."

The children wore special Right at Home T-shirts bearing the message 'going the extra mile to make you smile' during the 50-mile tour, which saw them visiting ten clients.

The brainchild of this heartwarming initiative is Gavin Preston, owner of both branches of Right at Home.

Known for his commitment to improving care and customer service, Gavin was inspired by a successful Christmas activity.

He said: "We visited our clients as Santa and his elves last Christmas, which brought so much happiness, so I wanted to do something similar over the summer."

Engaging children of his office team in the effort, he added: "We drove lots of miles but got many more smiles.

"Included in the clients we saw were two ladies who recently lost their husbands, and they were particularly touched by our gesture.

"Plus, our children really enjoyed delivering acts of kindness. They loved it."

Gavin's teams organise regular community events that encourage adults from varied backgrounds.

'Rest and Reminisce', a popular monthly event at St Peters Church Hall Woolton, Liverpool and Booths tea room in Longton, South Ribble, is frequently attended by clients.

For more on Right at Home's services and community events, visit their website or call 0151 665 0365.