Knitters near miss at ITV Good Morning Britain

Two talented ladies at Mellish House Residential Home for Dementia in Sudbury, Suffolk, came close runners-up in the Good Morning Britain TV show to design a fun Christmas jumper design for the show’s star, Ben Sheppard.Brenda and Hilda are pictured above with their designs.Hilda Eastgate and Brenda Bourne are keen participants in all arts and craft activities and were encouraged to take part in the nationwide competition by Glenda and Theresa, Mellish House’s Activities Coordinators.Glenda said: “We thought it would be a bit of fun for our residents; Good Morning Britain were looking for a fun festive Christmas jumper design for the show’s presenter, Ben Sheppard, so we thought well why don’t we have a go? Seven of our residents took part and Hilda and Brenda came close runners-up at the national final. We are so thrilled for them!”Hilda Eastgate created a festive holly design upon a brown background, whereas Brenda Bourne designed a bright blue jumper with traditional Christmas pudding and snowflake pattern. Hilda and Brenda were both delighted with their achievement and the round of applause they were given by fellow residents.Hilda, said: “I’m very pleased,” and Brenda commented: “I can’t believe we nearly won.” The winning design will be worn by Ben Sheppard in a Christmas edition of the show.Mellish House is a specialist care home for those with varied types and stages of dementia and offers regular activities for all of its residents to help retain optimum wellbeing. Mellish House’s care provision has been designed to meet the University of Stirling’s standards for dementia care, which are widely acknowledged as providing the best living environment for people living with dementia.