Thirty-seven works of art created by people with dementia living at a Bridgwater care home have been sold in an online auction, boosting the residents’ activities fund by over £100 and creating great excitement among the artists and their families and friends.

Lisa Priddice, who leads the activities team at Avalon Nursing Home on Taunton Road, said: “It turns out that we have a lot of very talented people living at Avalon whose dementia has not dimmed their artistic abilities, and they have produced some fantastic work.

“A lot of the pieces have been on display at Avalon this year and received so many compliments from visitors that we were inspired – with the artists’ consent – to auction selected pictures and craft items to raise money for residents’ activities.

“We plan to put the proceeds towards new activities equipment such as garden games and sensory systems.

“The auction is being held online via Facebook and it created a lot of excitement when it was launched last week.

“We sold 15 pieces within the first five days, made by a variety of different artists.”

The artists living at Avalon whose works were auctioned included Tom Rooney, a 94-year-old retired Grenadier Guardsman who is “an incredible artist” according to Lisa, who loves painting nature and people.

Tom Rooney was thrilled when the auction was proposed and said: “I couldn't be prouder - the fact we had the chance to produce this is amazing. I’m having the best time. Thank you.”

Ewa Kuwalek, Avalon’s art therapy lead, said: “Tom feels most at ease and happy when he has a paint brush in his hand, and some music on to help him create his masterpiece.

“We see it as an important part of our jobs to inform ourselves about our residents’ backgrounds and interests because it gives us such a natural way to encourage and maintain their engagement in the world around them, despite the challenges posed by dementia.”

Other artists whose works are included in the auction are residents Shirley Kearle, Keith Moore, Betty Tucker, Bobby Spong, Brenda Winn, Anita Graver, Joan James and Helen Dixon.

Residents at Avalon are supported to pursue their artistic passions both with individual and group activities as a regular part of the home’s extensive activities programme.

Avalon Nursing Home is run by award-winning specialist dementia care provider Camelot Care, which also runs homes in Wellington and Plymouth.