Richmond borough care homes have announced a special fundraising project to support the installation of sensory gardens.

Residents, staff and supporters of the Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) will take part in two challenges under the 'Move for Care' initiative.

In January there will be step challenge where participants aim to complete a combined total of 9.5million steps, equivalent to 3,300 miles.

And in February, there will be a dance-a-thon, including Facebook Live events, where participants will be given opportunities to take part in new dance activities, including Latin and Zumba Gold.

The hope is that these will raise £25,000 funds through donations and sponsorship to create the gardens at four care homes, including two in the borough – Cecil Court, Priory Road, in Kew, and Homemead, in Park Road, Teddington.

Sponsorship and fundraising donations can be made online, while individuals and businesses keen to find out more about the project can get in touch by emailing [email protected].

As well as the fundraising exercise, C&C is taking the opportunity to celebrate its 95th anniversary by publishing articles about some of the key individuals who helped form and shape the organisation, and hearing from current residents aged 95 or more about their experiences living in C&C properties.

The C&C chief executive, Julia Ashley, said: "To celebrate 95 years of building communities and providing affordable homes in London, we really want to do something that residents, colleagues and the public alike can get involved in, while raising money for something special and life-changing for our care home residents.

"The physical and mental health benefits associated with staying active cannot be overstated. In addition, 'Move for Care' will be encouraging people of all ages to try something different and get moving at a time of year where it's so easy to do little or no exercise.

"And there's a huge fundraising incentive as well – as we hope the sensory gardens, which would provide amazing therapeutic outdoor spaces for residents to relax and enjoy, can become a reality."