A personal message of support from a pop star is music to the ears of residents and staff at a care home in Weymouth.

Perrie Edwards, a member of the British girl group Little Mix who has links to Weymouth, recorded the special video message for Buxton House care home.

The X Factor winner, who has close ties to the residential and dementia care home at Buxton House, said in her message: “Hi everybody at Buxton House, it’s Perrie from Little Mix here. I just wanted to send a quick video message to say I hope you’re all keeping well during this horrible, horrible global pandemic and I’m sending you guys so much love and support.”

Staff said they had been buoyed by the message of support from the star.

Perrie, 27, spent part of her childhood in Weymouth and attended Radipole Primary School.

She honed her dance moves at June Hornby’s Weymouth Dance Studio – mastering tap and ballet at the Derby Street studio.

Little Mix, whose other members are Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson, and Jade Thirlwall, won ITV's The X Factor in 2011 and are one of the most successful acts to emerge from the talent show.

The group have sold more than 50 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.

Perrie is a regular visitor to Weymouth where some of her family still live.

After seeing the video from Perrie, Chris Kowalski, Acting Home Manager, said: “On behalf of everyone at Buxton House, I want to say thank you to Perrie for her kind words.

“Thanks to our amazing team of carers and support staff, we have remained a safe haven from Covid-19, offering companionship, social interaction, a fulfilled lifestyle, good food and, above all, compassionate care. We have also been able to continue with Covid-secure family visits during the second lockdown.

“A message like this is a great boost for staff as they continue to go above and beyond to keep our residents safe and supported.”

Buxton House is a 64-bedroom care home in Radipole Lane providing residential, dementia and respite care.

It is managed by not-for-profit charity Care South.