A TRANSFORMED care home which now features its very own cinema and hair salon has received a £1.2 million facelift.

The Oaks Care Home, in Oaks Drive, Colchester, was officially reopened on Friday as delighted staff proudly threw open the doors to the public.

Dignitaries including Peter Chillingworth, deputy mayor of Colchester, and residents celebrated the opening with a tour of the new and improved facilities.

The Oaks, which is home to 61 people, underwent a six-month refurbishment programme earlier this year, with designers drawing inspiration from the residents and their families.

The residents were encouraged to choose the decorations for their own bedrooms, the lounge and dining areas.

Improvements include a new on-site beauty salon, dining room and cinema.

Renowned gardener and author Beth Chatto designed the spacious and well-maintained grounds, with her granddaughter Julia Boulton on hand to admire her work at the relaunch event.

The range of care services on offer has also been expanded, with the Oaks able to provide independent living, palliative and respite care.

Louise Baxter, home manager, said: “This is the beginning of an exciting new stage in The Oaks’ history.

“Since opening in 1995 we have strived to provide the very best care at the heart of the local community.

“This revamp will allow us to continue to do this in a modern but welcoming and homely environment for our residents and their families.

“The new services in particular have been a huge hit, with residents enjoying seeing all their favourite films in our new cinema, or being pampered in the beauty salon.

“Friday’s officially reopening party was great fun and a huge success.

“We loved having the local community and Deputy Mayor join us to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment work, and to enjoy champagne and canapes in the sunshine with our residents.”

Deputy mayor Mr Chillingworth said: “It has been my pleasure to come and see the work that has been done to refurbish this care home.

“I am very impressed with the improvements, it looks fantastic.”