WEST Devon Borough's deputy mayor Cllr John Hockridge, local residents and staff from PSP Healthcare gathered last week for an open day and first birthday party at Hatherleigh Care Village.

The event was a double celebration, offering local people the chance to mark the first birthday of the village's nursing home while having a 'sneak peek' around the new 'close care' apartments which will be opened in 2010.

Guests enjoyed a festive lunch prepared by the home's chef, met the PSP team, and viewed the range of facilities which will be available at the village, including a cinema, internet café, library and spa baths.

Cllr Hockridge said he was 'most impressed' with the development, particularly with the thought and care that has gone into all the details of its design.

'The quality of the build and the beautiful surroundings make this a very promising addition to the area.'

Hatherleigh Care Village recently announced the creation of 30 new jobs and is recruiting nursing and care staff to join their team. The £7-million development already has a state of the art nursing home and from early 2010 will provide an additional 15 specially designed independent living apartments for the elderly.