A MULTI-million-pound nursing home that aims to provide specialist care for dementia sufferers was officially opened in Hampshire today.

A total of 60 residents are expected to move into Linden House in New Street, Lymington, over the next few weeks.

Owned by Lymington-based Colten Care the £8.5m complex has created 100 jobs.

Facilities include a cinema, a hairdressing salon and replica shopfronts designed to evoke memories of Lymington's past.

Residents will live in four house groups of 15 people each.

The manager, Jackie Hampton, said: “We already provide three dementia-specific care homes, giving us a huge body of knowledge about the different dementia journeys people can take.

“Living in small, friendly groups gives residents the chance to continue practical skills and retain their spirit of independence for as long as possible.”

Colten Care's chief executive, Mark Aitchison, added: “Linden House has been purpose-built to incorporate the latest therapeutic approaches and facilities for dementia care, all within an elegant, beautifully-designed building.”

The opening ceremony was performed by the town mayor, Cllr Anna Rostand.