A care home in Wallingford celebrated its fifth birthday with a lively party featuring live music and entertainment.

Waterside Court marked the milestone anniversary by organising a colourful event that united residents, relatives and local residents from the neighbourhood.

The town’s mayor, Councillor Ros Lester, attended the gathering with her husband and performed the honour of cutting the celebration cake, which had been baked by the home’s head chef.

The entertainment programme included a display by the Zephyra Belly Dancers alongside a set by singer Andrew Francis.

Clemence Heriman, senior general manager at Waterside Court, remarked that guests had thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the afternoon.

She noted that it seemed remarkable that five years had already elapsed since the home first began welcoming residents, adding that the time had appeared to pass incredibly quickly.

The residents also received a visit from Mark Watson from Radio Cherwell, who spoke with them and collected their music preferences for his forthcoming programme.

Heather, a resident at the home, described the day as wonderful and tremendous.

She said the appearance of Mark Watson from Radio Cherwell had enhanced the occasion further, as he came to conduct interviews with both residents and staff, with everyone contributing song requests for his next broadcast.

She mentioned they were looking forward to listening to their interviews when they were broadcast.

Waterside Court forms part of the Barchester Healthcare group and provides both general residential and dementia care for 70 residents, with availability for both short-term respite stays and longer-term accommodation.