The Royal Star & Garter Home in High Wycombe has welcomed its first resident.

David French was greeted by Home Manager Chelle Daly as he entered the £25 million care home on Tuesday, 16 April.

The state-of-the-art building has 74 bedrooms, and also features a café-bar area, activities room, in-house physiotherapy room, library, gardens and hair salon.

It will care for ex-Servicemen and women and their partners living with disability or dementia.

Mr French, 85, is an RAF veteran who served from 1951 to 1953. He was welcomed with a hug and a kiss on the cheek by Home Manager Chelle Daly on his arrival.

After being shown to the room and around parts of the Home, Mr French said: “It’s very impressive, I’m happy to be here.”

His daughter, Sue Couldery, said: “It’s a huge relief that Dad is here, it’s been very hard for the past few months. It means he’s going to be safe and occupied. We all feel very welcomed here.”

Chelle said: “I’m so happy we’re open and it’s our privilege to welcome David to the new Home. I’m looking forward to him becoming part of The Royal Star & Garter Homes’ family.”

The Home will welcome residents in small numbers so that it can adapt the care provided to each individual’s needs. It expects to reach full capacity in Spring 2020.

The Charity also has Homes in Solihull and Surbiton.