Barry proves he's shipshape at older persons day

The model battleship went on show at Park House Hotel in Shifnal as part of a day organised by Wrekin Housing Trust to destroy stereotypes and highlight the skills and expertises of older people.

Other displays included knitting work and crafts, which had been created by senior citizens in residential homes to keep themselves active.

The exhibition was held along with an awards ceremony to celebrate Older People's Day. Enid Waterhouse, 86, from Frizes Leasowe in Ketley Grange, Telford, was declared as the 2014 Shropshire Retirement Living Champion out of 10 finalists.

Eric Lainton, 74, who lives off Meadow Road in Newport, displayed his knitting talents at the event and was lucky enough to win an award for his work.

He said: "I have always loved knitting because my mother taught me how to do it. I made a nativity scene and everyone seemed to like it."

A cheque for more £4,000 raised through the Big Lunch event was handed to Age UK, which was accepted by the charity's chief executive Heather Osborne.

Carl Jones, compere and master of ceremonies at the awards ceremony, said: "The exhibition was the chance to show what older people are capable of.

"It aimed to break down the stereotype that when they go home they do nothing.

"The exhibition was held in the morning with an awards ceremony in the afternoon."

"Enid has lived there for seven years and during that she has organised residential trips and is a dab hand with computers, sending in pictures on her iPad.

"She runs an older people's forum and used to run Age Concern in Shawbirch."

Mrs Waterhouse said she felt safe in Frizes Leasowe and loved the community atmosphere.

"My motto is life is for living and you've got to do it while you can," she said.

About 16 people from different care schemes exhibited on the day, along with 70 nominations for the retirement living champion.

A choir and a 70-year-old comic entertained the masses during the day.