Residents send a big smile from Pendine Park

Children and young people born with cleft palates are to undergo corrective surgery thanks to the efforts of our residents.

The residents of Penybryn, part of the Pendine Care care organisation, put their artistic talents to good use by supporting the BBC Blue Peter Christmas appeal.

The "Send a Smile" campaign aims to allow hundreds of children with cleft lips and palates a new start in India.

The gowns will be worn by the youngsters and normally cost around £3 to make. For each gown donated, the charity can divert that money to the £150 cost of another cleft op.

Blue Peter bosses aim to collect 20,000 gowns within six weeks. If they succeed, it will pay for an entire two-week-long medical project in Guwahati, north east India, in December, treating hundreds of children.

Stars such as Jonathan Ross, Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon have already pledged their support and many have designed T-shirts to be turned into gowns. The show will demonstrate how to snip and tie the shirt into a gown.

The idea of backing the appeal came from Viv Robertson, a housekeeper at Penybryn, whose own son Jamie Marsh, now 12, was born with a cleft palate.

"I thought it was a great thing to support," said Viv.

She suggested it to Sarah Edwards, Pendine's artist-in-residence, who agreed that not only was it a worthwhile cause but it would also be useful therapy.

"It's an interesting project and it gives the residents a sense of achievement in helping others," said Sarah.

"I didn't think it would take off as well as it has," she said. "It has just snowballed, thanks to support from the residents, relatives and staff, some of whom have taken them home to paint.

"Here at Pendine Park, we believe that the joint efforts of our residents and staff fit in very well with our support for the campaign to promote dignity in care in Wales".