A HARPIST, some friendly alpacas and a number of dignitaries welcomed visitors to Windsor's newest care home when it hosted an open day for the town on Thursday.

Care UK’s Mountbatten Grange care home on Helston Lane was opened by the Royal Borough's mayor Cllr Paul Lion and its first resident, Margaret Purvis. The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Graham Barker, was also in attendance.

Professional harpist Mary Reid and a jazz band provided music, while residents and guests also had the opportunity to meet a couple of friendly alpacas up close.

Alpacas resemble llamas and were the centre of attention all afternoon.

Two other special guests were Debbie Spicer from Windsor Day Centre and Windsor Community Support Officer David Bullock.

The centre had won a competition organised at Mountbatten Grange to find 'local heroes' with David Bullock coming close second - all having been judged to go 'beyond the call of duty' in serving the community.

There was a special chocolate making workshop at the open day.. Arts and crafts activities were also on offer, as well as pampering massages and several games including a demonstration of Mountbatten Grange’s interactive ‘magic table' which provides stimulating activities for those living with dementia.

Members of the public who came along also had the chance to meet the team at Mountbatten Grange and take a tour of the new care home, as well as enjoy an afternoon high tea specially prepared by the home’s chefs.

Mountbatten Grange home manager, Saad Baig, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Windsor and the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire to officially open the home and mark this important milestone.

“The residents had a fantastic time celebrating and enjoyed preparing for the event by helping to set up the arts and crafts areas and decorating the home. Having the alpacas visit the home was a brilliant addition to the day, and being able to pet and interact with them really put a smile on everyone’s faces. After such a successful event, we are already looking forward to our next celebration.”