AN Olympian has helped bring some festive cheer to care home residents in Cirencester.

Ex-professional cyclist Becky James kicked off the festive fun in Bupa's Ashley House in Cirencester and even brought along her two miniature dachshunds to meet the residents.

Now retired from cycling Becky has set up her own baking business, Baked by Becks.

Keen to share her skills she visited the care home, helping residents decorate Christmas cakes before icing a cake for everyone as a thank you.

Residents also created hand crafted Christmas gifts for friends and family before Becky introduced them to her two dogs in a pet therapy session.

Speaking of her visit, Becky said: “It was such a lovely way to kick of the Christmas season, and so nice to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.

“I’d love to say that I stole the show with my cake decorating, but I think I may have been upstaged by Darcey and Lola!

“It was so special to see the positive impact they had on the residents.”

Mela James, Manager at Bupa Ashley House, added: “It’s been such a pleasure to have Becky at the home, along with the dogs she’s really got everyone in the festive spirit.

“It’s a testament to the power of volunteering.

“Many of our residents aren’t able to get out and about in the community anymore, so we do our best to bring the community to them.

“New faces are always welcome, sausage dogs too!”

The visit comes as Bupa care homes across the country opening their doors to volunteers who want to help spread some festive cheer.

More than 30 homes have signed up as part of Good Morning Britain’s ‘1 Million Minutes’ campaign, designed to get communities engaging with older people who might otherwise be at risk of loneliness.