MORE than 100 guests came to a garden party hosted by a care home in Twyford run by the Abbeyfield Winchester society.

The VIPs included the Bishop of Winchester, the city’s mayor, MP, and the director of the national Abbeyfield charity.

Along with the other guests, they were invited to enjoy strawberries and cream, Pimms and live music in the grounds of the property in Bourne Lane.

The original home was extended last year and now boasts 14 bed sitting rooms and nine two-bedroom apartments.

Abbeyfield national director John Crisp said the new building and gardens were “unsurpassed” within the Abbeyfield National Homes.

Bishop of Winchester, The Rt Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, said: “I was glad to be able to see and talk to the team, residents and members of the local community about the work that is going on to support older people in this area.”

Winchester MP, Steve Brine, said: “The new building is hugely impressive and I can see it provides really comfortable living for people in their retirement years.

“The garden party was a really nice way to connect with the local community and it was good to see the event so well supported.”

Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Richard Izard, whose ward includes Twyford, also joined the festivities on Sunday, June 13.