STAFF, residents and families gathered at a Tavistock care home recently to celebrate the official opening of a new £1.3-million extension, writes Sam Hughes.

Work to extend the Abbeyfield Tavistock Society's Drake Lodge to give 12 extra rooms was completed at the beginning of the year, and was followed by the refurbishment of the existing building.

The home in Plymouth Road now has 18 purpose-built rooms with en-suites and disabled access, a new heating system and double glazing.

The building and refurbishment work was funded by grants from the Housing Corporation and West Devon Borough Council.

Cllr Diana Moyse, chair of the borough council's future planning and housing committee, said: 'This is an excellent modern facility, and one that is much welcomed in Tavistock.

' I am very impressed by the friendly staff, who are already providing a home from home for the residents.'

The building was opened by the vice-president of the Abbeyfield National Society, Michael Staff.

He said: 'What they have achieved here is fantastic and I thank them on behalf of Abbeyfield nationally.

'The core of Abbeyfield is the independent services like Tavistock and its volunteers. It is a wonderful house, befitting a lovely town and I wish them every success for the future.'

The chief executive of the Abbeyfield National Society, Paul Allen, was also in attendance and thought the new building was 'marvellous'.

Mr Allen said: 'This really is a "jewel in the crown" example of what can be done.

'They embarked on something major, and for staff and volunteers to take on such a task while still caring for the residents in the house is brilliant. We're very pleased with how it has turned out.'