THREE tiny ducklings have been brought safely into the world - with a little help from staff and residents at a Hampshire care home.
The new arrivals stole the limelight at Belmore Lodge in Milford Road, Lymington, after hatching out in an incubator at the three-storey complex.
One of the residents, Dorothy Elson, said: "Some of us had ducks when we were younger so this took us down memory lane.
"It was truly wonderful to see them emerge and experience their first few days of life."
Companionship team leader Sharon Semple added: "We think we had one boy and two girls as the two girls were very bossy!
"We had various names for them but we settled on Ian for the boy and Julia and Ginger for the girls.
"We gave them their first bath a few days before they left us. It gave us an excuse to have another lovely cuddle with them when we were drying them off.
"It was brilliant for our residents to have the eggs and incubator here.
"There are lots of residents at Colten Care who grew up on farms or had animals when they were younger and they love the idea of seeing chicks being born.
"Julia, Ginger and Ian have now gone to live with a friend of one of our team members. We know they will be well looked after and we’ll be staying up to date on their progress."
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Duckings have also been born at other Colten Care homes across the south, including Court Lodge in Lymington.
The new arrivals tend to stay for up to two weeks before going to a permanent home.
Belmore Lodge is rated "Good" by the Care Quality Commission, which regulates in the industry.
The latest CQC report says Belmore Lodge provides accommodation for up to 55 people.
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Outlining the inspectors' findings it adds: "People and their families described staff as caring, kind and patient and we observed relaxed, friendly interactions between people and the staff.
"A monthly activity planner provided details of several activities and reflected peoples' hobbies and interests.
"People were actively encouraged to use their skills and talents in contributing to the Belmore Lodge community and played a part in recruitment, buddying new people at the service, health and safety around the home and gathering feedback about the catering.
"The culture of the home was open and transparent."
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