CORONAVIRUS has hit care homes hard all across the UK but a Dunfermline home has defied the odds and is still virus-free.

Headwell House, run by Abbotsford Care, closed its doors to relatives and non-essential visitors back on March 13.

For the carers who look after the 55 residents it's been a challenge of a lifetime but they've made sure that the home is a ray of light for those who live there.

Families who can't get to see their loved ones physically have been kept up to date via a Facebook page showing everything the residents are getting up to and there's never been a dull moment from parties to baking!

However, carer Tyrone Farlam was careful not to diminish how much of a struggle it had been for everyone there.

He said: "Families can’t see their loved ones during lockdown and that’s hard.

"I find it very hard as residents say to me, 'Where’s my family, they haven’t came in to see me for weeks?' and trying to tell them that we’re trying to keep them safe is hard!

"I want to thank all of my colleagues for all their positivity they share as it rubs off on us and the residents.

"And to our managers, thank you all so much for your continuous hard work you put in day-in and day-out."

The main focus for staff has been to make sure everyone is safe and healthy so Headwell has been following strict guidelines.

But daily activities have also been their focus, trying to keep spirits high.

This has included sing-a-longs and dance classes, baking groups and crafting, karaoke and puppet shows.

Suzanne Docherty, senior care home manager and Tricia Simpson, deputy manager, told the Press: "Nothing could have prepared us for the enormity of this.

"We all agreed that in the coming weeks we would endeavour to keep things normal and positive for those in our care.

"It would be easy to say we all felt strong and positive but in the early days of great uncertainty it was difficult to comprehend the measures we needed to take to keep ourselves safe.

"We followed strict guidelines for infection control and are overjoyed to report that Headwell House remains virus-free.

"We ensure our days are fun-filled keeping spirits high and ensuring everyone stays motivated.

"The kindness of others has been overwhelming too.

"In the absence of relatives it is heartwarming to see staff deliver the highest standards of care and support, advice and comfort.

"As lockdown continues, we must say a huge thank you to our amazing staff teams for their unending care and compassion.

"In these unprecedented times, our staff have drawn on all their resources and ingenuity to enhance the day-to-day experience for our residents."

The home has celebrated many special birthdays, a beach party and they're now organising a 50s themed event!

A local piper helped raise residents' spirits while their have been countless donations from the public to both staff and those who live there.

David Hume, who's mum, Cath, lives at Headwell, lives five hours away. He said: "Not only has the home provided outstanding care of the residents, they have also attended to the residents and their families’ emotional wellbeing during this turbulent time where visits are not allowed.

"The photos and videos are dear to our hearts and truly helps ease the frustration of not being able to visit.

"Thank you does not even begin to express our appreciation."

Amanda Tod added: "There are no words that could communicate the thanks and pride I have for Headwell House as even before the start of lockdown they have looked after my granny in a way that would not have been possible for me if she would still have been at home.

"Who would’ve believed me telling folks my granny was at a beach party at 89!

"She celebrated her birthday whilst in quarantine, the first one my family and I haven’t been there sharing cake, however, the staff helped her celebrate in style!"

Staff said the key to their teamwork had been their managers keeping the morale high.

Helen Brewster, charge nurse, said she was proud that the home had remained infection-free.

"Our staff teams have worked so hard to keep the home a bright and fun place to be during the lockdown. It is fabulous to see our residents smile when we come to work and it makes us feel good to know we are keeping things as normal as we can for them.

"Activities have always played a part in our daily routine but staff have gone above and beyond to make Headwell House a fun and entertaining environment."