RESIDENTS at Bupa’s Old Gates Residential Home are having a ‘smashing’ time this Wimbledon.

As Andy Murray took to No 1 Court yesterday, the pensioners were using their Nintendo Wii game consoles to play virtual tennis games against players in 100 other Bupa care homes across the country.

The winners of the Bupa Care Homes Grand Masters title will be the home that manages to field the oldest team.

Staff and residents said they had even donned their whites to mark the start of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament.

Carol Wilkins, activity co-ordinator at the home in Livesey Branch Road, Feniscowles, said: “We’ve got table-tennis tables set up, tennis-themed quizes, crosswords, and the Wii, which is a bit of an experiment for us.

“Because we have people with dementia here, their attention span isn’t very long and they have a few hits and put it down. Other people are happier to watch than to take part.

“But it’s good to stimulate the residents and stop them from sitting about doing nothing.

“As for the Grand Master’s title, we have some people in their 90s here, so we will definitely be entering.”

The home is keen to provide a range of different activities every month.

Starting on July 5, residents will be taken on a ‘virtual cruise’ taking in countries including India, China, and also the Carribean.

Traditional meals from the countries will be served, there will be a ‘dress up’ day, henna hand painting and performers such as belly dancers and martial arts experts.