Navy veterans living in Royal Star and Garter care homes, which has a branch in Surbiton, have been given iPads by the Royal Naval Association (RNA).

The donation was funded by the Aged Veterans Fund and Project Semaphore, an initiative set up by the RNA to improve communications for elderly naval veterans.

Sarah Clewes, deputy project manager for Project Semaphore, visited the homes to present the custom-built 16GB iPads, which were pre-loaded with relevant apps.

She said: “To know that by providing the right content and support network we are helping contribute to a resident’s personal development and helping to keep families and loved ones connected. That’s what I love about the project.”

Staff and volunteers from the homes have completed a course, delivered by the RNA, to help them support and enable the veterans to make the most out of the technology.

One veteran, Joan, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to bits, I really appreciate it. You know the saying, ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’? Well I’m going to give it a damn good go!”