RESIDENTS and staff of a Wear Valley care home are having a party today (October 7) to celebrate the home’s 25th birthday.

West Lodge Care home in Billy Row, near Crook, first opened its doors in 1989 and staff say they are proud the family run establishment is still going strong.

Activity co-ordinator Diane Maughan said: “Today we have had a special party to celebrate West Lodge being open for 25 years.

“We’ve had ballroom and Latin dancers, primary school children singing and dancing and there’s another singer coming too.

“We have invited all of our previous carers and our residents have really enjoyed it. They are still partying now.”

Judith Joplin, a senior care worker who has worked at West Lodge since the day it opened said it is a lovely place to work.

She added: “It’s been a real pleasure working for the family and it’s lovely home to work in. The staff here are very good and the residents see it as a home from home.

“There have been a lot of different policy and procedure that have come in and you have to move with the times which the home has.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would like to thank Diane for everything she has done for me and the girls. I’ll be staying here for as long as they will have me.”