A NORTH-EAST care home is appealing to the public to join its rehearsal for an international Mexican wave.

Staff and residents at Elderwood in Darlington are preparing themselves for National Care Home Open Day (NCHOD) on June 20.

As part of the celebrations, the day will see a Mexican wave arrive from Australia via Skype, with NCHOD ambassador Gloria Hunniford joining older people to start the wave in the UK.

The wave will then flow across the country moving from county to county as part of the celebration day aimed at encouraging people to visit their local care home.

Elderwood manager Joe Patterson said: “We want people not to just get involved with the Mexican wave but also National Care Home Day.

“It is a fantastic chance for us all to show why we are so proud to work in the care sector. “There is a stigma often associated when an older person moves into care and we want to challenge that.”

The rehearsal takes place at Elderwood on Westmorland Street at 2pm on June 9 and anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr Patterson on 01325-368256.