AN ANIMAL-LOVING care home resident has been surprised with a visit from his pet pig.

Staff at Francis Court Care Home in Crawley organised for Blanket the porker to visit Tony Eaglestone and his fellow residents.

Mr Eaglestone was raised on a farm and kept animals throughout his life, but said pigs have always been his favourite.

“Blanket is much friendlier than many of the dogs I have had over the years,” he said.

“It was lovely to see him and to see how popular he was with the other residents.”

The Argus: Pig visits animal-loving resident Tony Eaglestone at Francis Court Care Home in Crawley Pig visits animal-loving resident Tony Eaglestone at Francis Court Care Home in Crawley

Blanket spent an afternoon at the care home, receiving cuddles and treats from Mr Eaglestone and other residents, as well as taking a stroll around the garden.

The visit was the first time Mr Eaglestone had seen him in six months.

Care home manager Anna Allen said: “It was wonderful to see Tony’s face light up when Blanket strutted into the lounge and immediately hogged everyone’s attention with his charming personality and love for affection – Tony was certainly a proud pet owner.

“Being in the company of animals has proven therapeutic benefits for older people, particularly for those living with dementia, as it can reduce anxiety, release calming endorphins, and decrease feelings of loneliness.

“You could see from the residents’ reactions just how engaged they were when Blanket was around.”

The Argus: Pig visits residents at Francis Court Care Home in Crawley Pig visits residents at Francis Court Care Home in Crawley

Francis Court Care Home in Copthorne, Crawley, provides a wide range of care services for up to 87 older people.

The Care UK-run site provides short term respite care, as well as permanent residential care, nursing care and specialist dementia care for older people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive ability loss.

The home also offers end of life care.

Francis Court has a number of lounges and open spaces for residents to take part in activities or catch up with friends, as well as a garden and hairdressing salon. It also offers minibus outings for some residents.

There is also a wishing tree where residents who still have goals they want to achieve write down their wish and attach it to the tree.

Ms Allen said she joined Care UK because of their reputation as a “progressive” organisation that puts residents first.