Residents at Mountfitchet House, Stansted have been taking part in 'bush tucker trials' and holding snakes and tarantulas.

Inspired by TV series I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Doreen and Mary tried edible insects including crickets and grasshoppers and drank "monkey vomit".

Dunmow Broadcast: Doreen Barber, 96 with Lifestyle Lead Dan Bailey during a 'bush tucker trial' at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, StanstedDoreen Barber, 96 with Lifestyle Lead Dan Bailey during a 'bush tucker trial' at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, Stansted (Image: © SWNS)

Dunmow Broadcast: Mountfitchet House residents Doreen Barber and Mary Tierney take part in a 'bush tucker trial, in Stansted 'watched' by Ant and Dec.Mountfitchet House residents Doreen Barber and Mary Tierney take part in a 'bush tucker trial, in Stansted 'watched' by Ant and Dec. (Image: © SWNS)

Doreen, 96, said: “We had so much fun taking part in the challenges – and we laughed non-stop the whole afternoon.

“I couldn’t believe how gentle and soft the snake was, and the tarantula was really beautiful too.

"The insects were rather dry, and maybe a bit too healthy for us.

"We much preferred the milkshakes which were actually a surprise treat, as they were banana and chocolate flavoured.”

Home manager Jane Maxwell said: “Life in a care home isn’t all knitting and nattering – of course, some residents do enjoy these activities, but they also like trying things that are new and exciting.”