Warwickshire-based charity launches children's photo competition to bring cheer to older people in hospitals and care homes

A Warwickshire-based charity has launched a children's photo competition to help bring cheer to isolated older people in hospitals and care homes over the winter months.

Kissing it Better, which works to bring old and young people together by creating healthcare projects, has launched the competition to find 'the funniest, most adorable snaps of family pets'.

These pictures will then be turned into cards and delivered to older people in care settings in the area.

Many are missing their own pets and visits from Therapy dogs.

Caty Oates, the charity’s Warwickshire project director, said: "We know these cards with pet pictures will cheer up the patients and residents, as well as the staff.

"The project will also give children the chance to make a difference to the lives of older people in their area – and provide a fun and creative half term project.”

The competition is open to children aged seven to 10 years old.

To submit an entry, people should take a 'cute or funny' portrait photo of your pet, with a one line caption that they think would make older people smile.

Participants are being asked to avoid the phrase 'get well soon' for the captions.

Photos should then be emailed as a JPEG to [email protected] with the name, age and school.

In the subject line of the email people should put ‘Pet Photography Competition.’

The closing date is midday on October 30.

Winners will receive Pets at Home gift vouchers.

For more information, contact Caty Oates by emailing: [email protected]