THE mixing bowls and wooden spoons are at the ready as residents at a city care home prepare to get their bake on.

Residents at Perry Manor care home on Charles Hastings Way will ‘stir-up’ on Sunday — the traditional day for making Christmas puddings.

The Care UK team has joined forces with former Great British Bake Off finalist, Brendan Lynch, ahead of the big day on, with Mr Lynch creating a Christmas pudding recipe especially for Perry Manor care home on Charles Hastings Way.

On Sunday, head chef, Peter McGregor, will be using the special recipe to bake with residents.

Mike Dearn, home manager at Perry Manor, said: “Stir-up Sunday provides the Care UK team and residents with a wonderful opportunity to take part in a tradition which also encompasses all the benefits of baking. Reminiscence activities such as baking are so important for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as the familiar scents and tastes can evoke happy memories from the past.

“We always take the time to celebrate special days and we like to ensure all residents feel at home by keeping to any traditions they may have. Stir-up Sunday is an important milestone in the lead up to Christmas and we are all very excited to use Brendan’s recipe to create a delicious pudding.”

Mr Lynch said: “I am a strong believer in the therapeutic benefits of baking for older people and combining this with a traditional occasion such as Stir-up Sunday can create a calm and comforting environment for all involved."