Care home residents have enjoyed a deep sea experience thanks to VR headsets provided by Plymouth Aquarium.

The virtual undersea adventure was part of the ‘Magical Moments’ activities programme at Vale View Heights in Sidmouth.

Dennis Friend, 100, resident at Vale View Heights, said: “I was asked what I’d most like to do this year and top of the list was to return to Plymouth Aquarium to see the sharks. I haven’t been there for nearly 30 years. Luckily, Plymouth Aquarium brought the experience to us, and we had a marvellous time with the virtual reality sets, swimming with the fish, sharks and a huge octopus. It was a wonderful afternoon.”

A team from Plymouth Aquarium helped 12 residents don their headsets and experience life under the sea for a few hours with programmes such as ‘In the shark tank’ and ‘Under the ocean’.  They also brought with them various objects from the seabed such as dolphin skulls, ribs and dorsal fins as well as a wolffish skull.

Janet Stanley, activities coordinator at Vale View Heights, said: “It was a real pleasure to be able to provide the residents with such a unique and unusual activity. The afternoon gave them all so much joy and generated a real buzz in the home. The feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive.

“We are very grateful to the team at Plymouth Aquarium, who are welcome back at any time.”

Vale View Heights provides residential, nursing and respite care for up to 50 residents.