A retirement home in Westbury has been re-opened after a major refurbishment scheme.

The Bell Orchard marked it's first anniversary by welcoming residents into their newly modernised accommodation on July 21.

The scheme in partnership with Somerset Care and Wiltshire Council has remodelled 22 studio flats into 12 spacious one bedroom retirement apartments, with communal facilities including gardens, guest bedrooms, lounge and kitchen areas and provision of office space to facilitate 24 hour on site care and support.

Selwood Housing Group chief executive Barry Hughes said: "It's great to see the completion of these homes here at the Bell Orchard, which was made possible thanks to a great partnership with Wiltshire Council and Somerset Care.

"I'm sure these homes and the care and support that comes with them will make a great difference to our residents."

The organisations have worked together to carry out the project while keeping the needs of residents as a priority, with Somerset Care providing a night service and weekly activities, and the new layout of apartments enabling those to be freely mobile, with level access throughout.

Resident Alan Smith, 75 said: "It is lovely to live here in the Bell Orchard, everyone is so friendly.

"There isn't one thing that they wont do you for here, the staff are so helpful.

"Now my flat has been refurbished there is much more space, and it is also very practical as there is much more room for staff to come in and help me out."

A significant investment of £1 million was put into the project, with Wiltshire Council also contributing over £600,000.

Chuck Berry, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for housing said: "We are committed to providing new affordable homes throughout the county and we are delighted to be able to contribute more than £600,000 to this wonderful scheme by Selwood Housing.

Being retired doesn't have to be lonely and difficult, it can be a very pleasant and nice chapter in your life."