Spring Lodge staff sprang a surprise by handing out goodie bags to delighted residents in Ipswich.

Carers from the Woolverstone home, led by manager Jose Simoes, delivered the bags containing little gifts including hand santiser and jelly beans, to the 42 residents at Tooley's Court, who are just starting to come out of full lockdown.

Ilda Pereira is the link between Spring Lodge and Tooley's Court as she provides care for both places and the affection for her was clear.

The residents were clearly delighted with their gifts and gregarious Glenys Olsen, told Nub news: "This was a very nice surprise, so thank you very much.

"We have Ilda come and see us most mornings she is absolutely fantastic. Ilda is a real credit to Spring Lodge, they have a real bargain with her by the way."

Glenys has been at the sheltered accommodation for four years and insisted creating new friendships and having fun was the secret.

"Coming here was one of the best moves I made. I have made lots of new friends, and caused some trouble too," she laughed.

Jose was joined by deputy manager Lorraine Boud and activities coordinator, Emily Cannel, for the delivery to Tooley's Court and his staff has already delivered to Ipswich town centre and Ipswich hospital and aim to hand out some on the Shotley peninsula now that they are opening doors after lockdown.

"We try to blend with the community and there is nothing better than to come out and give them some of our love," said Jose. "We show this by handing out things that matter right now, like hand sanitising gel, jelly beans and information leaflets to help them continue to face this virus.

"Ilda has been with us for a while now and she always has a smile on her face, nothing is too much trouble for her. She works with us in the afternoons and with the Tooley's Court residents in the morning."

Helen Hewitt , who has been manager at the 16th century Tooley's Court for 25 years, was delighted by the Spring Lodge generosity towards her 42 residents, who have coped admirably during the self-isolation.

"Everybody lives here independently, some with carers and we are here to help them in emergencies," said Helen.