The red carpet was rolled out for VIP guests including the new mayor of High Wycombe as a new care home opened its doors to residents in Lane End.

Guests including Cllr Brian Pearce, Group Captain Woods, Station Commander at RAF High Wycombe and Marlow councillor and chairman of Wycombe District Council, Suzanne Brown, celebrated the opening of Gracewell of High Wycombe, a new care home on The Row, on Thursday.

To officially mark Gracewell of High Wycombe open, the ribbon was cut by first founder member, Bryan Gait.

Bryan, a proud RAF veteran has lived in the area all of his life and was a pilot with the RAF for 24 years.

To cut the ribbon, Bryan was surrounded by special guests from the community, including Group Captain Woods, who presented Bryan with framed press cuttings from the London Gazette, which had his name recorded in them from his time as an RAF pilot.

Entertainment was provided by cello and flute duo Trifonics who played classical music throughout the afternoon, while students from Lane End Primary School also joined the guests in the garden, performing a number of songs, as well as African drumming and a seasonal may-pole dance for all to enjoy.

The new care home, which offers residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, has brought 35 new jobs to the community, including skilled nurses.

Sheena Croston, Home Manager at Gracewell of High Wycombe, said: “We are so proud to have marked Gracewell of High Wycombe officially open. The opening ceremony was such a special event, and it was brilliant to be joined by so many special guests from across the local community to celebrate.”