A DORSET care home has celebrated 30 years in the business.

Residents, visitors and staff at the Old Vicarage care home in Leigh, near Sherborne, enjoyed musical entertainment, a buffet lunch, cream tea and champagne to toast Ian and Annie Sinnott who opened the 40-bed home in 1984. Anne said: “I don’t know where the time has time gone but we are very proud of what we have achieved.”

Annie praised her staff and the support of the local community.

She said: “We are truly local.

“Most of our staff are from this area, and some have been with us for years. Our current managers came to us as schoolgirls 15 years ago, and achieved their qualifications and experience here. That’s what I call growing your own workforce.”

Manager Natalie Adams presented Ian and Annie with four rose bushes on behalf of the staff.