A care home has got in the festive spirit by unveiling a giant advent calendar.

The Spinney care home calendar, measuring a whopping 6 by 6 feet, is fronted by a setting depicting a Victorian home decorated for Christmas.

The first door was opened by Normanhurst Primary pupil Freddie, 5, and Vera Bowling, 83, a resident at the Chingford care home.

Behind the door was A ‘bouquet’ of balloons and sweet treats for residents and children.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The giant calendar measured in at 6 by 6 feet.

Friends of the home contributed items to place behind the other doors on the calendar.

Flower Genie gave Christmas table decorations; Home & Garden, a decorative Christmas lantern; Fairfields, a case of mulled wine; My Oven Hero, luxury hot chocolate, marshmallows and sprinkles; the Kingsmoor ward of the Princess Alexander Hospital, an arts and crafts set; Mountain Being Coffee, DVD games; and Fresh n Fruity, a luxury fruit hamper.

Children from Normanhurst Primary school also made personalised Christmas cards for each resident and handmade sweet treats for everybody.

Over 30 children from Normanhurst Primary school attended the event.

Vera Bowling said: “It was lovely to have so many smiling children here – they loved the calendar”.

Home manager, Jacky Fitzpatrick added: “It was quite a challenge building such a large structure and filling it up. But the effort was definitely worth it. Our residents are thrilled with it”.