ONE of the stars of Emmerdale visited a North Yorkshire care home for their summer fair.

Mark Charnock, otherwise known as chef Marlon Dingle in the soap, visited Hambleton Grange in Thirsk, where he met residents, staff and the local community, signed autographs, posed for pictures and talked about life in the Yorkshire show.

He also officially opened the home’s brand new art room, which will be used to host regular painting, drawing and craft classes for the people who live at Hambleton Grange.

Resident Dorothy Staynes spoke to Mark at length about what the new art room means to her.

She told him: "I look forward to the classes every week and I have found out that I have quite an artistic side."

Mark, who has played a chef in the soap for 22 years, was also tested his kitchen skills against Hambleton Grange’s own chef in a cake decorating competition.

Ellie Cook said: "I was nervous but Mark was so friendly he put me at ease straight away. I just got on with decorating the cakes but Mark was making me laugh all the way through - I think he was trying to put me off. He didn’t succeed though as one of our residents judged me as the winner. Mark did look a bit disappointed but it was all good fun."

Nicola Clark, lifestyle manager at Hambleton Grange, organised the event and said there had been "such a buzz" around Mark's arrival.

She said: "We all love a party and these events create lasting memories for our residents and their families. Everyone was keen to meet with Mark and he made time to speak to each resident, finding out about them and their life. It really was a day to remember."

Resident Dorren Purchan said: "We all had a wonderful time. The party was fabulous and Mark was such a gentleman."

Mark said: "Hambleton Grange was great fun – I received an extremely warm welcome and they definitely know how to put on a party. One thing I have to say is that the bond I have seen between residents and staff is amazing – there is so much warmth and compassion that is evident as soon as you walk through the door. It does feel like a great place to live."