STAFF AT a Flintshire care home surprised residents as they dressed up in elf costumes for the day for charity.

Staff at Bryn-Yr-Haul care home in Mold unleashed their inner-elf on Wednesday in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

It forms part of Alzheimer's Society's National Elf Day - which sees people dress up as the festive characters and make a donation to the charity.

But more than just being a fundraiser, staff at the care home said people with dementia and Alzheimer's respond very well to associating items of clothing with the time of year or day.

Jayne Gracey, staff member, said: "It's the same as like it's better for staff on the nightshift to wear pyjamas as people with dementia and Alzheimer's are much more likely to recognise it's time for bed.

"Wearing elf costumes lifts the spirits of all our residents, but particularly those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's as they associate the costumes with Christmas - having done so since a child.

"All the staff have got on board and I can't thank them enough - it's great to see so many smiles on the faces of our residents."

The care home is also appealing for items to put in its Christmas hampers which will be raffled off to raise money for Bryn-Yr-Haul's Residents Fund - money set aside for trips and other activities.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop it in at the care home - situated off the A5119 near County Hall in Mold.

For more information please call 01352 755531.