RESIDENTS and staff at a residential home in West Devon are embarking on a virtual round-the-world cruise, and need the help of Times readers to get them to their destinations.

The Red House in Yelverton is taking its residents on a fictitious journey around the globe, through the use of donated photographs and hearing people's experiences.

The residents will be visiting numerous countries and learning about the lifestyle and the culture of these places.

Barbados will be the first stop on their journey, followed by Mexico in March and Hawaii in April.

Staff are asking anyone who has visited any of these countries to share their experiences, stories and photographs with the residents.

Home manager Nikki Challinor said: 'Our first port of call is Barbados on February 23, so if anyone can play the steel drums, we'd love to hear from you. We are doing the cruise as part of our activity programme and during the month leading up to our day in port, we learn about the culture, the food and the people of that country. It all culminates in a day in the country with national dress, music and food.

'The residents seem to be getting into the swing of things and are busy making head dresses for the crop over festival in Barbados.'

If you would like to help the Red House virtual cruise, contact Nikki Challinor on 01822 854376.