Care homes have tried everything from art lessons to visiting children in an attempt to keep their residents occupied.

Now one home has gone a step further and introduced pole dancing as part of their entertainment programme.

Fairmile Grange organised the “inappropriate” activity, which is more commonly associated with clubs than care homes, after its residents reportedly wanted to see something “a bit different.”

Despite being criticised the nursing home in Christchurch, Dorset, has defended the activity.

Six women took part in the show carried out to 1950s and '60s music which received an “overwhelmingly positive” reception from residents.

A metal pole was erected in the communal lounge where the women performed a series of acrobatic moves to songs by Abba and Frank Sinatra.