A Slough care home resident's lifelong dream of becoming a boat captain has come true.

Clive Geake, a 70-year-old resident at Care UK's Oak House on Wexham Road, took a special nautical trip along the River Thames from Henley to Windsor.

Mr Geake, who has Down's syndrome, has always wanted to go on a boat and enjoys watching television programmes about boating and river cruises.

As a child, he told his parents he would one day become the captain of his own boat.

The dream became a reality when a group of residents and Oak House team members made a trip to Henley for an afternoon boat ride.

Starting at the Thames River and Rowing Museum, the two-hour journey allowed Mr Geake to take the helm, show off his sailing skills, and wear a captain's hat.

Mr Geake on the boating tripMr Geake on the boating trip (Image: Supplied)

The trip was part of the home's 'Wishing Tree' initiative, which encourages residents to put forward wishes to reconnect with a past hobby or try something new.

Agnieszka Klimkowicz-Buda, home manager at Oak House, said: "Clive has always enjoyed watching the geographical channels and reading magazines about boating, so it was wonderful to see his face light up the minute he stepped on board a real boat.

"He was filled with emotion on the day as it brought back significant memories for him.

"He really enjoyed the views of the Thames and singing his favourite song By the River of Babylon, by Boney M.

"We love to go the extra mile for residents here at Oak House and our wishing tree is a fantastic way to understand what’s really important to them.

"It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved, with lots of singing and plenty of snacks, and I am so pleased we were able to make Clive’s wish come true."

Oak House provides residential, nursing, and short-term respite care, as well as specialist dementia care.

The home enables residents to live 'active and fulfilled lives' while also promoting independence.

For more information on Oak House, call customer relations manager Tracey Van Zyl on 01753 307978, email tracey.vanzyl@careuk.com, or visit careuk.com/oak-house.