The virtual cruise has been organised by staff at Summerhill Nursing and Residential Home, offering residents who are unable to go on holiday a chance to take a whirlwind tour of the world, bringing destinations to life through music, games and food.

Choosing New York as their first stop to help mark American Independence Day, the residents will be celebrating with Breakfast at Tiffany's themed day on Wednesday, July 1, and are inviting older people in their local communities to join them.

Home manager, Kath Dean, said, "Everyone deserves a holiday and with so many of our residents unable to travel anymore, we're doing the next best thing - dropping our anchor here and bringing all the different cultures and customs to the home. This is a perfect way for us to see the world and we'd love anyone who may be struggling to get away on holiday this year to join us."

Over 300 Bupa care homes across the UK are joining in the virtual cruise and will be sampling waffles, American brownies and Pecan pie to mark their visit to New York. They will then be calling at South Africa, Australia, India and Ireland throughout July as each home is transformed into a passenger cruise ship.

Siobhan Drane, Bupa's community consultant, said: "This is certainly a cruise with a difference, but it's a great way for our residents to get a little taste of each country. We recognise that not everyone can get away this summer so we'll be throwing open our doors to our local communities and welcoming aboard new friends and faces too."

Anyone who would like to attend the event can call the home on 01539 726000 or email cruise@bupa.com.