Mark Charnock, aka chef ‘Marlon Dingle’ from Emmerdale, visited Hambleton Grange care home in Thirsk for their summer fair on Saturday 18th August.

Mark mingled with residents, staff and the local community, signing autographs, posing for pictures and chatting about life in the Yorkshire soap.

Mark was also asked to officially open the home’s brand-new art room which will be used to host regular painting, drawing and craft classes for the people who live at Hambleton Grange.

Mark, who has played Woolpack cook Marlon Dingle for 22 years in the soap, was then called to test his kitchen skills against Hambleton Grange’s own chef in a fun cake decorating competition.

Residents had decorated the home with handmade Emmerdale bunting and there was a BBQ, stalls from local shops, a raffle, entertainment, face painting and much more. Mark took to the microphone while residents and guests from the community fired questions at him.

Nicola Clark, Lifestyle Manager at Hambleton Grange who organised the event, said: “There has been such a buzz in the home – we all love a party and these events create lasting memories for our residents and their families.  Everyone was keen to meet with Mark and he made time to speak to each resident, finding out about them and their life.  It really was a day to remember!”

Mark commented: “Hambleton Grange was great fun – I received an extremely warm welcome and they definitely know how to put on a party!  One thing I have to say is that the bond I have seen between residents and staff is amazing – there is so much warmth and compassion that is evident as soon as you walk through the door.  It does feel like a great place to live.”

Hambleton Grange is operated by Ideal Carehomes and offers residential and dementia care to older people from Thirsk and the surrounding areas.

http://www.idealcarehomes.co.uk/