WILLITON'S Croft House residential home staged a special Christmas celebration this week - the last at its present site.

A new 67-bed facility is currently being built on land near Bridge Street in the village and the 40 residents are due to move into their new home in April or May.

So staff decided to make the 2010 festive party one to remember.

Local community stalwarts, including West Somerset Council chairman Cllr Eddie May and Danesfield Middle School headteacher Ian Bradbury, joined staff past and present for the celebration, along with residents and their families.

At least 150 people saw former Somerset Care area manager Brenda Clare - who previously worked as deputy manager and manager at Croft House - cut a special cake.

She was joined by the present area manager Jane Lynch, also a former manager at Croft.

Michelle Tickner, the current deputy manager, said the home had been built in 1965 and Brenda had moved from London to work there 40 years ago.

"The party was fantastic and it was great to see so many former staff but it was a bit of a double edged sword," said Michelle.

"We can't wait to move into the new building but at the same time it will be very sad to leave here.

"It's been a very good home for many, many people."