A 107-YEAR-old from Poole was the guest of honour at a ground-cutting ceremony for a new care home building.

Miriam Lenton, who lives at Maidment Court on Parkstone Road, says that despite her mobility issues, she intends to walk into the new state-of-the-art complex which will replace the 1970s building currently comprising of 45 homes.

Two new blocks will be created by Midas Construction Southern, which is part of The Midas Group, with phase one featuring 40 studios for rent along with shared communal facilities, accommodating Maidment Court's current residents. The second section will offer 47 one and two-bedroom apartments available for mixed tenure as part of the plans created by MHA, the national charity providing accommodation, care and support to 16,000 older people across the UK.

Speaking ahead of the ground-cutting ceremony, Miriam said: "I am determined to walk into the new building when it is completed. I am thrilled to bits about the new build. I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it.

"I am very happy living at Maidment Court and I am comfortable. Everybody is kind and I think I am thoroughly spoilt."

The existing care home will remain open so residents and staff can transfer to the first new building once it is complete, before the older structure is fully demolished.

Karl Hallows, development director at MHA, said: "The new retirement living with care development will enable residents to continue receiving high quality care and support in spacious, attractive and modern surroundings. We are really pleased to be able to offer this new service.”

Paul Strachan, divisional director of Midas Construction, said: "We are delighted to be building the new state-of-the-art care apartments for MHA. As part of our commitment to investing in the communities which we work in, we have engaged the local supply chain where possible to support the local Dorset economy."