Chocoholic care home residents mark World Chocolate Day

A CHOCOLATE extravaganza was enjoyed by Teesside care home residents as they celebrated World Chocolate Day.

Those living at The Beeches Care Home, in Stockton-on-Tees, were invited to Hotel Chocolat, on Teesside Park, to mark the international day dedicated to cocoa with an afternoon of sampling.

They were treated to pralines, millionaire’s shortcake, dark chocolates, chocolate milkshakes and hot chocolates.

Resident Derek Mason said: “I can’t wait to tell my wife about today, as we go over to Teesside Park all the time.”

Resident Edna Cook added: “I’ve really enjoyed my afternoon out and my chocolates.”

The residents have since been invited back to the chocolatier for a “lock in” tasting session where they will learn about the production process.

Staff from the Teesside branch are also planning on attending the next Dementia Friends session at The Beeches Care Home, where they will learn more about dementia and how best to help customers with the condition.

Jessica Brown, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, said: “It was great that Hotel Chocolat let us visit and taste the treats on offer.

“Everyone said they had a lovely afternoon and that it was really nice to get to sample some chocolate. They had reserved some tables for us and were very helpful with meeting the residents’ needs.

“Many of the residents also remembered Teesside Park’s previous life as a popular local racecourse and enjoyed reminiscing about the past while tucking into the treats.”