A social distancing visiting room has been created at Kingfisher Court Care Home, Sutton, to allow residents to be reunited safely with their loved ones.

The garden room, which has an external door leading to the grounds of the home, has been divided down the middle by a perspex screen.

The room was officially opened by Dorothy and Stewart Smith to mark their 59th wedding anniversary.

The coupe had not seen each other since February and the team at Kingfisher wanted to reunite them for the anniversary — Stewart has been a resident since November 2018 and Dorothy was isolating, having moved into the home for two weeks’ respite care.

Dinner and drinks were prepared for the couple and the room was decorated with balloons, banners, confetti, and fresh flowers.

Tracy Hickman, home admission advisor, added, “Stewart looked very smart in his shirt and tie, which he chose especially for the occasion. He joined in with the flower arranging activity earlier in the week so he could give Dorothy some flowers.

“Stewart, who was in the room first, had tears in his eyes and was blowing Dorothy kisses when she entered the room.

“It was lovely to see them exchanging anniversary cards, enjoying their meal and a chilled glass of prosecco together to celebrate.”

Jeremy Dignum, home manager at Kingfisher Court, said: “What a wonderful way to open our new safe visiting room, with Dorothy cutting the ribbon and enjoying her 59th anniversary with her husband Stewart.

“Our visiting room will be used on Sunday for Father’s Day, and will be available for bookings from next week.”

The couple met at a weekly dance group in Oldham. Stewart was with his two friends, who both had girlfriends, which left Stewart on his own, so he eventually got the courage to ask Dorothy out.

They were together for 18 months before they got married and they lived together in Fitton Hill, Oldham. The couple went on to have two daughters Janet and Carole.

Dorothy said: “Stewart is very talkative whereas I have always been a good listener.”

Dorothy worked at an electrical engineer’s company checking meters and Stewart’s first job was at Boots before he went on to be a pharmacist in Oldham.