THE first resident at a retirement home was greeted with flowers as she arrived this week.

Pensioner Tess Slater was presented with the bouquet as she collected the keys to her home in Maple Court, Gloucester Road, Consett, on Tuesday.

The development is the fifth of six Extra Care schemes across County Durham, a partnership project involving Hanover Housing Association, Durham County Council and builder MJ Gleeson.

The Extra Care homes are intended for older people and aim to help them be independent while offering support services.