A FORMER Emmerdale star visited a Bishop Auckland care home today (Thursday, December 19) to officially open its new bar.

Dale Meeks, who played Simon Meredith in the hit TV soap, served champagne to residents at Sandringham Care Home with the help of town mayor Councillor David Fleming.

Mandy Hopwood, activities co-ordinator at the care home, said: “It was fantastic, the residents loved it.

“We wanted to install a bar so the residents feel like they are going to the pub. We are going to put up a list of opening times and our singers will perform in there.

“The residents are already asking when it is open next.”