THE family of a deaf and blind pensioner has criticised social services after a shortage of care home places meant the 91-year-old had to move out of the area.

Angus Dodsworth has had to move from Thirsk to a nursing home in Eston, Middlesbrough, after suffering a series of strokes.

His daughter-in-law, Gillian Dodsworth, said it was vital that she and her husband visited him most days, but their own ill-health meant they struggled with the 45-mile round trip from Northallerton.

Mr Dodsworth was admitted to the Friarage Hospital in December, having suffered a serious stroke, and, in January, was put on the waiting list for Beechwood nursing home, in Northallerton.

However, a shortage of spaces meant Mr Dodsworth had be transferred to the Briar Wood nursing home, in Eston, to receive the care he needed.

Daughter-in-law Mrs Dodsworth said the move had been a strain on everyone.

"He has lived in this area all his life, where his family and friends are," she said.

"He has been transferred to a place which is completely alien to him, which has been very disturbing.

"The nursing home is lovely, and all the staff we have dealt with at the hospital and the homes have been marvellous - but there is clearly a desperate need for more places."

Phil Richardson, community care general manager for Hambleton and Richmondshire social services, said the situation was very regrettable.

He said: "There is now a greater demand for care, because of an ageing population. Sometimes, the demand does outstrip supply and, occasionally, people do have to go elsewhere.

"This is a very difficult situation for the family but, fortunately, care levels are not at crisis point. We don't have long lists or great problems with people waiting for spaces."