I'm A Celebrity: Care home residents face insects and snakes challenge

Doreen Barber was like the Queen of the Jungle and happily ate some grubs

Care home residents ate insects and held snakes in a challenge inspired by the I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! show.

Mountfitchet House, in Stansted Mountiftchet, Essex, held its own version of ITV's bushtucker trials.

Doreen Barber, 96, who ate crickets and grasshoppers, said: "We laughed non-stop the whole afternoon."

The care home said it was always looking for "fun and exciting activities".

Doreen Barber (left), 96, with Mary Tierney, 92, said she "loved meeting the jungle animals the most"

External animal providers sent in a two-metre-long (6ft 6in) albino snake, while other insects were eaten with the help of another expert.

Ms Barber said: "We had so much fun taking part in the challenges - we are always up for trying something new, and we laughed non-stop the whole afternoon.

"I couldn't believe how gentle and soft the snake was. 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."

Even Ant and Dec popped in to help with the challenges

Jane Maxwell, the home's manager, said residents were "thrilled" at the challenge.

"Everyone loved getting a chance to hold the snakes and tarantulas, and trying the edible insects in front of 'Ant and Dec' really did make them laugh.

"Life in a care home isn't all knitting and nattering."