A TRIP to the market for some bargain hunting brought joy to residents at a Salisbury care home.

Staff at Wilton Place Care Home organised a trip to the city sale for four residents after a chat with one of them, Ron.

Nicki, the home’s activities assistant was chatting to Ron about his hobbies and interests before he became a resident at Wilton Place.

He told her he missed his weekly trips to Salisbury Market, and reminisced about his shopping days, when he would buy his groceries and spend time chatting with the traders.

So, Ron and three of his friends recently boarded the home’s minibus and set off for Salisbury city centre.

“Berniece, Pat and Mike are not locals but were interested to see what all the fuss was about,” a spokesperson said. “They were delighted to discover Salisbury’s Traditional Charter Market and were surprised to hear that it has run since 1227 and comprises 70 stalls.

“They thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect and Mike insisted on treating the group to coffees as they soaked up the atmosphere.”

Ron said: “Such a feeling of nostalgia, I’m so happy and thankful for today.”

Nicki added: “The stallholders were very friendly and chatty, the market was buzzing.

“It was such a positive experience and a very easy wish that was a pleasure to grant, seeing how much it meant to Ron was wonderful.

“We’ll definitely be returning to visit the Christmas Market.”