HAPPY memories of day trips to the seaside were faithfully recreated for patients at the Primrose Hospice.

Patients enjoyed beach games, a visit from donkeys and Shetland ponies as well as an ice cream van - which proved extremely popular.

The beach days were organised by day hospice staff and volunteers who decked out Primrose Hospice, in St Godwalds Road, with beach balls, buckets and spades, and a makeshift beach using sand and a paddling pool.

Staff and volunteers wore hula skirt and lei flower garlands over their usual work uniform and had their faces painted.

Katy Power, head of clinical services at Primrose Hospice, said: “We held these beach days to help our day hospice patients to remember good times and reminisce about their childhoods.

“Sadly, a lot of our patients now can’t go to the beach so it is helping them to still have the experience of spending the day at the seaside.

“They have absolutely loved the beach days and have had really good fun."

The beach days were held on Tuesday and Wednesday and were supported by the community who donated items after a plea on Facebook.

It costs £1.75million annually to keep Primrose Hospice’s services free for people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Around 85 per cent of this money has to be fundraised through the community, trusts and grants.