A STATE-of-the-art care home has officially opened in Dorchester.

Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Mrs Anthony Pitt-Rivers dropped into the county town to officially open New Maiden Castle House in Gloucester Road.

The Care South home provides an innovative range of specialist care services for the local community including dementia, rehabilitation and long-term care for frail older people.

Dorset County Council has secured 40 beds under a 20-year block purchase agreement.

A spokesman for Care South said: "The 31-bed dementia floor contains many innovative features to evoke memories and stimulate well-being, including memorabilia cabinets, past-times themed areas and an original restored red and white Austin Mini."

The Gloucester Road project, funded by Care South, is the outcome of a partnership which includes key contributor Dorset County Council, the South West Primary Care Trust and construction partner, Yeovil builder, Rok.

The New Maiden Castle House replaced the original Maiden Castle House on Maiden Castle Road.