CARE has been taken to the next level after a new £6 million residential home was opened in Carlisle.

Standards have been raised in the modern purpose built home.

There were celebrations as Burnrigg Court, on the site of Carlisle’s former Morton School, was officially opened.

Cumbria County Council chairman Christine Bowditch cut the ribbon as residents, their relatives and staff marked the event with afternoon tea and a performance by members of Carlisle Ukulele Club.

Delighted with the new home Councillor Patricia Bell, the county council cabinet member for health and care services, said:” After building the new 60 bedroom quality home we have closed some of our older homes which were great in there day but now they’re not really any good.

WWhat we needed was space, a dementia-friendly environment with hoists and all the gadgetry that can support people to live independently.

It really is a fantastic place, all the downstairs rooms have a door to the outside with circular paths so residents don’t get lost.

“We have finished this one and we have the one in Copeland opening in September and I hope that will just be the start.”

County Council leader Stewart Young said: “You talk to some of the residents and you see what a difference it makes to their lives it’s great.

“I have been involved in this since the start seeing all the plans, so it is lovely to actually see it.

“ The last time I came to see it there was no residents, now it really comes to life.

“There was a lot of thought that went into the design and it has made it easier for the staff to look after people.

“Everything has been really well thought out, It’s a great step forward for the quality of care to the elderly in Cumbria.”

The registered manager of the home, Tracy Bindokas, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic.

“I’m happy, the staff are happy and the residents are happy. We’ve got a home that is beautiful with all the facilities to hand.”