While most of the elderly people who live at Chestnut Lodge Nursing Home in Yeovil are happy when hairdresser Stefanie Skinner arrives to do their hair, for one resident her visits have an extra special meaning.

Mary Addicott, 94, used to do hair for family and friends, so her fortnightly sessions with Stefanie give her a chance to reminisce with a fellow hair enthusiast while she relaxes and makes the most of the calm setting of the home’s salon.

Activities co-ordinator Jane Davey said: “Mary always talks with such passion about the days when she used to do peoples’ hair, she obviously really enjoyed doing it.

“She thinks nothing beats a good hair day and says she understands why Stefanie enjoys her job - she ensures her ladies come out of the salon with a new hairdo and feel beautiful.

“Stefanie has an amazing way with our ladies and gents and another of our residents, Mary Jepson, regularly proves how much she loves her visits by always being the first person ready to have her hair done.

“According to Mary Jepson, Stefanie - who has been visiting Chestnut Lodge regularly since very soon after we opened in April last year - is a really good and quick hairdresser.

“Stefanie looks after the gents’ hair as well as the ladies’, and she’s just as popular with them.”

Jane Davey and her colleagues have a constantly evolving programme of activities including keep fit classes, craft classes, quizzes and visits from entertainers, to ensure the people they support are living their best lives.

Chestnut Lodge which was purpose-built as a care facility and fully renovated before its reopening last year, now provides specialist dementia care for up to 38 residents. It is run by award-winning care provide Camelot Care, who also have homes in Bridgwater, Wellington and Plymouth, with a fifth due to open in Holsworthy next year.