Grand National celebrated at Teesside care home

GRAND National fever hit a Teesside care home – with a sweepstake for residents and jockey shirt bunting decorating the lounge.

Elderly residents at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, were gathered around the TV to watch the main race at Aintree.

Sylvia Smith won £24 on the sweepstake after Tiger Roll took the victory, becoming the first horse since Red Rum 45 years ago to win the race back-to-back.

She said: “I’ve never won anything before.”

Before the big race, residents designed and decorated paper jockey shirts, which were turned into bunting and hung around the home.

They were also treated to burgers, hot dogs, breadsticks, sausage rolls and scotch eggs for the occasion.

Jessica Brown, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, said: “Several of our residents were very interested in watching the Grand National, so we wanted to make it a special occasion for everyone.

“Those who wanted to take part in the sweepstake enjoyed having a flutter and others just had fun taking part in the arts and crafts session and watching the race.

“There were a few excited residents who were happy to see Tiger Roll win.”