A PETERLEE care home opened its doors to visitors as part of the national Care Home Open Day.
Mayor Lee Cook was among the guests invited to Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way.
The community building event helped raise over £50 for the Alzheimer’s Society, after residents and staff sold homemade cupcakes and corned beef slices.
Care homes around the country were encouraged to take part in celebrating this year’s theme of friendship.
The aim was to build lasting community relationships and encourage intergenerational communication and activities.
The event also coincided with Bannatyne Lodge resident Liz Finn’s 59th birthday, when more than 40 residents and staff joined in the celebrations.
The devoted Elvis Presley fan was paid a surprise visit by fellow fan Kevin Tulley, who delivered birthday flowers in his classic 1950s Studebaker Mercury.
She said: “It’s just like being in the car with Elvis.”
Lynn Chapman, home manager at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, said: “It was a brilliant day celebrating both Liz’s birth
“We’d like to thank Peterlee Mayor Cllr Lee Cook for coming along to meet the residents and staff.
“And also Kevin Tulley for making Liz’s birthday extra-special with a ride in his Studebaker Mercury.