A cafe that brings older people and animals together is celebrating its second birthday.

The Roves Farm Seniors Friendship Cafe creates an inclusive environment where older people, including those with dementia, can interact with farm animals, play games and socialise.

The group in Sevenhampton is run by Home Instead Charities, the charity arm of home care company Home Instead. 

With events held on the second Tuesday of each month, between 10.30am and midday, attendees can enjoy a hot drink and quizzes before having the chance to hold and feed the farm's new born animals.

Cat Attewell, from Home Instead Swindon and Vale of White Horse, is the volunteer champion who runs the monthly cafe.

She said: "It’s been amazing to see older people getting out and making friends.

"We always have a friendly, fun time but the magic really happens when you see people’s faces light up when they stroke and hold the baby animals.

"Many older people can’t necessarily keep a pet at home, but they love to interact with the animals and experience all the sounds and smells of a farm, and it brings back happy memories.”

The daughter of a regular guest, Jenny, who is living with Alzheimer’s, said: "Without groups like these, managing mum’s Alzheimer’s would be even harder than it already is.

"The club has been such a vital part of mum remaining at home with us."

The cafe has had many professional guests attend to share information, including Live Well Team from Swindon Borough Council and the vulnerable person’s officer from Thames Water.  

Other regular guests include Dilys, registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, along with her owner Karen Price. 

The cafe is open to all seniors, and guests who are living with dementia also appreciate the benefits.

Keeley, marketing manager at Roves Farm, said: "Over the last two years we have been very happy to support the seniors friendship cafe in providing something a bit different, combining interactions with our friendly farm animals and staff, and of course a slice of homemade cake and a cuppa."

Home Instead Charities is also set to offer a new companionship cafe at Stanford in the Vale, on the third Monday on the month at Stanford in the Vale Village Hall from 1.30pm-3.20pm. 

The companionship cafe is a place to make friends. Both cafes are on a donations-only basis and everyone is welcome.