WORK has started on the construction of a new 68-bed care home in Hamworthy.

National care provider Barchester Healthcare is the company behind the new home, which is being built by Acheson Construction Ltd and is set to open in Autumn 2020.

The home will provide residential care services, as well as dedicated dementia care.

Andy Williams, senior property development manager for Barchester Healthcare, dug the silver shovel into the ground for the first time.

He said: "We’re very excited to begin work on our new, purpose-built care home in Hamworthy.

"There is a real need for quality care in the local area, and our new home will definitely meet this.

"Not only will our prospective residents have a home set in beautiful grounds, the new home will potentially give a boost to employment in neighbouring communities. "