A 95-year-old care home resident has fulfilled her lifelong dream of flying in a hot air balloon.

Charmian Vilven, who lives at Care UK's Sway Place in Church Lane, Lymington, celebrated her 95th birthday by taking to the skies.

The opportunity came about when the care home asked if residents wanted to add something to the home's 'Wishing Tree.'

The initiative allows residents to suggest hobbies and activities they'd like to try, as well as places they'd like to visit.

Ms Vilven added her hot air balloon wish to the tree to mark her 95th birthday on August 15.

Ms Vilven's balloon departed from Norton Park, following a picnic at Winchester Abbey (Image: Supplied)

After a picnic at Winchester Abbey, Ms Vilven took off from Norton Park for a one-hour journey over the Hampshire countryside.

Ms Vilven said: "I loved it.

"It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and one I will not forget!

"I liked seeing the wonderful scenery, and all the animals down below, including hares, rabbits, deer, and cattle."

Laura Blake, home admissions advisor at Sway Place, said: "It was fantastic to see Charmian take to the skies and the joy that this activity brought, and she embraced all the sights and sounds of Hampshire’s countryside.

"We love making wishes come true for residents.

"Our ethos here at Sway Place is to fulfil residents’ lives, and it was wonderful to be able to make this dream come true.

"We are determined to give residents the opportunity to fulfil their dreams, no matter the circumstances – and we’re thrilled this was such a success for Charmian.

"We’re already looking forward to fulfilling more of the residents’ wishes, whether up in the air or firmly on the ground!"

Sway Place is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence.

The home provides full-time residential care, dementia care, and respite care.

The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, and 14 independent living cottages, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room.

More information about Sway Place is available by calling Laura Blake, home admissions advisor, on 01590 607371, emailing laura.blake@careuk.com, or visiting careuk.com/sway-place