A TRIP to see a male strip show is not the usual dream for an 80-year-old, however at Milton Lodge retirement home, anything is possible.

The home in Ipswich Road, Colchester, set up their Sparkle initiative last year after understanding elderly residents can still have fun.

Staff hold various fundraising events to raise enough money to grant each resident a wish.

Residents have enjoyed trips to the zoo and the theatre, and the team is even organising a trip to see a racy Dreamboys performance at their request.

Kate Perkins, deputy manager, said: "One of the directors spoke to a resident who said she had always wanted to go to the theatre and it got us thinking, why should age stop them doing what they want?

"We do the best we can to make their dreams come true."

At the weekend the home, which can house up to 34 residents, held a summer fete which raised £1,350.

The money will be used to take residents wherever they wish to go.

Mary Baker, who is 82, said: "I was able to go to the zoo, I never thought I would be able to again, but the home took me.

"I had a really good time and I felt like a kid again."

An American day has also been planned for next month, where staff will donate money to dress up in American-themed attire.

Staff will also be asked to spend the day as a resident to raise funds, experiencing what it feels like to be on the other side of care.

Thijs Van Teinhoven, 82, said: "I used to work at a garden centre and we used to create different types of roses.

"We once created a rose called 'The Joey', Milton Lodge took me back to the centre last year, it was a lovely day, and they gave me a 'Joey ' rose to take home."

Kate said it gave staff a sense of fulfilment.

She said: "The team I work with aren't here because it's a job, we are here because we care.

"It's a lifestyle choice, just seeing them so happy is enough for us.

"They should be treated exactly the same as people in their 20s, they are human beings and when they are happy, we are happy."

In November resident Phyllis Martin visited her old St John’s Green Primary School, where she was given a tour and got to speak to the children about differences in education.

Phyllis sadly passed away last year, aged 103, but her dream had been achieved.