CHEERFUL senior citizens hung up balloons and put on their best outfits as they welcomed guests to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their home.

They held a coffee morning and invited friends to share the special day, at Abbeyfield House, in Galgate, Barnard Castle.

Ethel Nichols, 92, who has lived at the home for seven years, said: "This is a wonderful place.

"We all get marvellous treatment, and we want everyone to know how happy we are."

Margaret Wilson, who is 90 but still sings in the Deerbolt Ladies' Choir, said: "We couldn't possibly have a better place to call home. Everything about the place is perfect."

Eleanor Wormald, one of the few survivors of the original team which bought and converted the property in 1967, was one of the guests.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted with the way the excellent way the house has been run for the past four decades."

The home cost was £7,500 to build, but many thousands have been spent since, then to create seven en-suite bedsits. An adjoining building was also bought and turned into flats.

Another guest was Evelyn Jenkinson, who was celebrating her 91st birthday. She lives at a second Abbeyfield House, which opened in Barnard Castle a few years ago. The residents sang Happy Birthday to her.

Dorothy Jameson, the house secretary, said: "The residents have all had a lovely time celebrating the anniversary. Our aim is to make them comfortable and happy, and that seems to be working well.