Care home staff went above and beyond to help one of their residents fulfil his dream of going fishing again.

Housekeeper Paul Bond and care worker Bernard Quarshie, who work at The Heights in Downley, helped make arrangements for resident Roderick Smith to get out and fish at Milton Pools Fishery near Milton Keynes.

Between them they’ve racked up many years of fishing practice and spent endless hours comparing their experiences as keen fisherman.

Keen to head out for their fishing trip, Paul, Bernard and Rod got together early on a Wednesday morning and set off with their boot full of fishing gear after organising the trip and getting fishing licences and bait with the help of Rod's daughter Tracey.

After a day of catching a few fish between them, Paul said: “I could see that Rod had a great time. He loved being back by the water with his fishing rod in hand.

"He was very grateful to both Bernard and I and thank us both profusely. It gave me a lump in my throat to know that we’d helped fulfil his dream to fish again.”

Daughter Tracey noticed a marked change in her father after the trip: “He was much brighter and his talking had improved.

"I’m looking forward to him going again and can’t thank Paul and Bernard enough.”

Tracey added: “Dad is already planning his next fishing trip and is hoping to catch a monster carp at Plimco Farm where he used to fish many years ago.”