A CAFE has been opened at a Christchurch care home in a bid to help residents maintain links with the local community.

Colten Care's Avon Reach in Mudeford welcomed new Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Nick Geary to perform the official opening ceremony.

The cafe is opening following the refurbishment of the home's two lounges and will be open to visitors from 10.30am until 11.30am every Friday morning.

One lounge has been transformed into a beach-themed café space with comfortable sofas and tables and an outdoor terrace alongside Stanpit Lane, the main route down to the quay.

"We’re opening up our lovely new café to local people, perhaps friends who know us or just passers-by, every Friday morning" said home manager Ruth Wildman.

"People are welcome to drop in and enjoy teas, coffees and homemade pastries and cakes with us. It should offer great company for everyone and a fantastic way for our residents to stay connected to the local community. "Those who don’t receive many visitors themselves or who don’t go out so much can share in the gentle sociability of a friendly café atmosphere right here in the home."

In line with Mudeford’s heritage as a fishing village, the café has pictures and cushion designs featuring boats, coral, shells and other marine and maritime elements.

Visiting in his first week as Mayor, Cllr Geary said: "This is a great idea. Anything that embraces the community in this way I wholeheartedly support."

Also attending the first morning was visitor Caroline Vandereele who does voluntary work at Avon Reach. She said: "The café really is an uplifting space. It’s refreshing, clean and spacious."

Avon Reach, which provides nursing, residential and respite care, is located at Farm Lane, Mudeford, with a frontage along Stanpit Lane.