A FORMER Emmerdale star swapped the Yorkshire Dales for the US when he serenaded care home residents with a string of classic country songs.

Dale Meeks performed his popular country and western-themed show at Willowdene Care Home, in Sedgefield, after opening its annual garden fete.

Meeks, who is from Newcastle, played Simon Meredith in the ITV soap from 2003 to 2006 and also won the channel’s Celebrity Stars in their Eyes contest with his Blues Brothers act.

His performance proved a big hit at the garden party on Saturday, which was organised to raise funds for residents’ leisure activities, such as theatre trips, arts and crafts and musical entertainment.

It was also a chance for the community to engage and socialise with residents. Angela Penman, activities co-ordinator, said: “We wanted to bring people in to see what it is like in the care home and see all the activities we do.

“It has been a great day and everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

The care home looks after those with personal and nursing needs and also has a dementia unit.

As well as live music, the garden fete featured cake and craft stalls, a Punch and Judy show, raffle and barbecue.