It’s penguin-ning to look at lot like Christmas at this nursing home

By Debbie Luxon via SWNS

Nursing home residents got a flippin' good festive surprise after two charming feathered guests arrived to deliver some Christmas cheer.

Residents of the Colne View care home in Halstead, Essex, England woke up to find two penguins outside the home earlier this week.

Pringle and Widget turned heads as they waddled through the halls of the Care UK home.

Charming photos show delighted residents holding the penguins on their laps.

The penguins were also accompanied by the Halstead community choir to sing Christmas carols as the penguins sat on beds and explored the home.

Ruth Silverlock, aged 86 and a resident at Colne View said: “It was so wonderful seeing the penguins!

"I was surprised at how tame they were.

"They were quite happy just sitting on my lap and they seemed to enjoy the attention from everyone!”

Residents including Ruth were joined by friends and family for the festive affair.

Photos of the visitors attracted dozens of likes and comments on the home's Facebook page, with families thanking the staff for the wonderful entertainment.

One staff member Tracie-Ellen Cornhill wrote: "Precious- this was absolutely the best time ever! I loved the looks on our wonderful family of residents' faces."

A relative Anita Griggs wrote: "Oh how lovely to see mum smiling and holding a penguin! Thank you for organising this, it was a lovely day!"

Several photos show residents in beds with the bemused penguins sitting on their laps, whilst other photos show the penguins sizing up the many indoor Christmas trees.

One photo shows a woman locking eyes with a penguin standing on the floor from her bed, presumably wondering what type of dream she had woken to.

The black and white African penguins were apparently the perfect guests for both the residents and staff thanks to their relaxed and friendly nature.

The cute visitors were provided by Amazing Animals, a company that supplies animals typically to the media industry.

Monica Boldeata the manager at Colne View said: "We had a wonderful time getting into the festive spirit with help from our feathered friends.

"It’s not every day we have penguins running round the home!

“The residents had a fantastic time singing their favorite Christmas classics.

"We shared festive memories with their relatives and friends, as well as meeting some new faces.

“Everyone here at Colne View is now feeling well and truly ready for Christmas.

"We’re looking forward to continuing the festivities over the coming days.

"I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came, especially Widget and Pringle, and wish everyone a merry Christmas.”