STAFF at a local nursing home have turned back the clock to help make their surroundings more comfortable for elderly residents.

Since the start of this year, activity staff at Steeton Court Nursing Home have introduced a trio of new projects: "Ye old-fashioned sweet shop", "Ye old tea rooms" and "Ye old-fashioned flower cart".

Tracy Green head of activities at the home, said: "It's of great importance that our residents lead a full and interactive social life and that is what we offer at Steeton Court.

"It has a massive impact on a resident's wellbeing, knowing they are happy and are enjoying the activity, social and leisure plan.

"The sweet shop is stocked with lots of old-fashioned sweets and has brought back many memories for residents, families and staff. And the tea room has been full to the brim!

"Our activity staff worked with home manager Jill Gartland on the three projects.

"We also have other projects around the home such as a miniature model village which we change every season, and reminiscence artifacts on display which everyone finds interesting."

Mrs Green, who has worked at this nursing home for nine years, said the flower cart along with an old-style set of scales now used for the sweet shop had come from the cellar of a building which used to be Steeton's Co-op store.

The sweet shop also features an old-fashioned till which has come all the way from Chesterfield.