RESIDENTS at a revamped care home are enjoying their new surroundings.

The Beeches is now a 31-bed nursing care home for the elderly, near the village of Kelloe.

It provides 21 residential and ten nursing beds on the site of what was the former St Helen's Church vicarage.

The refurbishment and expansion completes a project begun by the Executive Care Group (ECG), which bought the premises four years ago, after previous owners went into receivership.

Manager Carol Lowe said: "It was closed for about a year, but we have had it for around four years now and we have been carrying on the work around the residents.

"We have had to shuffle them around a little bit, but I think they have generally enjoyed the excitement and it hasn't been too inconvenient."

The Mayor of Durham, Councillor Mary Hawgood, performed the official opening yesterday, unveiling a plaque in the main lounge to mark the expansion.

It was followed by a party involving the Beeches' 25 full and part-time staff, guests and residents.

Country and western singer Andy Brown provided the entertainment, while residents and guests were treated to a buffet and drinks.