IT was mince pies, baubles and lashes of festive cheer all around Carmarthenshire’s care homes this Christmas.

Residents at Awel Tywi, Fairfach were visited by Carmarthenshire county councillors, as they toured the county in the festive season.

The oldest care home resident in the county, who will be 106 in March 2018, also had a special visit ahead of her birthday celebrations.

County Chairman Cllr Irfon Jones, his wife and consort Jean and executive board member for health and social care, Cllr Jane Tremlett travelled all compass points of the county visiting homes at Newcastle Emlyn, Llandeilo and four homes in Llanelli.

There was even a mischievous Elf Noel on the Shelf bringing smiles to more than 200 residents and photo-bombing at every opportunity on the civic tour.

Cllr Jones said he was quite overwhelmed and emotionally stirred to see how well looked after all the residents were.

He said: “It was clear to see the staff and residents in each of the homes are all one big loving family.

“I met and chatted with so many who were all enjoying themselves in the run up to Christmas.

“What a delight it was to chat to former nurse and our oldest resident Mary Kier at Awel Towy, Llandeilo, who will be a glorious 106-years-old in March.

“My chain of office was a big hit.

“It has never been polished so well.”

Cllr Tremlett said it was always one of the highlights of the year to see how well Christmas was celebrated in homes around the county.

“We are so fortunate to have such dedicated staff teams at each of the homes who treat the homes as an extension of their own in terms of the love, care and attention they deliver at their place of work,” said Cllr Tremlett.

The civic party visited Y Plas, Felinfoel; Y Bwythyn, Bigyn; Llys y Bryn, Gelli Road and Caemaen, Coleshill Terrace; Maesllewelyn, Newcastle Emlyn and Awel Tywi, Fairfach, Llandeilo. They planned to visit Dol y Felin, St Clears in the New Year.