A care home has helped enhance the lives of its residents by embracing new technology.

Virtual reality software is enabling people staying in Balhousie Care Group properties to travel to Paris, go rock climbing and visit the cinema from the comfort of their armchair.

Pensioners and their family members are gathered on Wednesday at Balhousie Forth View Care Home in Methi, Fife, along with care home staff to try out a new virtual reality headset.

Balhousie Care Group IT manager Lee Sexton said: "We're always looking at ways of enhancing our residents lives and we know that, through the use of technology, we are able to do this for some residents.

"It opens up opportunities, particularly for those who experience mobility issues, for social inclusion, interaction and experiences."

The other apps available include meditation, Google Earth and virtual cinema, which gives the impression of actually sitting in a cinema."

Yvonne Manson, Balhousie's dementia consultant, said: "It's very exciting to be able to consider virtual reality in a care home setting.

"Like any form of therapy, it will not be suitable for every resident, however, for others it will provide alternative support for mental and physical stimulation, essential for resident well-being.

We think this software opens up opportunities to residents like never before. Thanks to new technology, there's a whole, virtual, world out there for people to explore."