A multi-million pound new nursing home, which is expected to create more than 80 new jobs, has been officially opened in a Shropshire village.Isle Court Nursing Home, a 53-bed facility owned by Morris Care, was opened at Bicton, near Shrewsbury, on Thursday. The major development is designed to provide a home-from-home atmosphere with en-suite bedrooms and lounges with a cinema-style projector screen for entertainment.

And there is even a restaurant, which enables the residents to invite people in to enjoy a meal with them.

Bosses of the development today said they were delighted that it has now officially opened and at how it is already taking off with residents at the home.

Margaret Maudsley, chief executive of Morris Care, said: “The need for high quality nursing care in the Shropshire region is increasing and we have aimed to meet this with the launch of a new, luxury nursing home.

“I’m delighted to say that we have 16 residents already. There’s been an enormous amount of enthusiastic interest.”

Morris Care, which has four other care homes in the Shropshire and Cheshire region, described Isle Court as its most recent “flagship home”, which caters for the elderly frail, mentally frail and young physically disabled.

Each room has its own digital television and allows residents to play DVDs, while elsewhere there are special baths with lifting mechanisms for people who need help to bathe, nurse stations, a hairdressing salon and a laundry.

Some of the rooms also have patio access and residents are being encouraged to have a bird table to make it their own.

Frank Bailey, 68, who was the first resident at the nursing home, said: “I like everything about it, I’m very impressed.

“The standard of care, the friendly staff and the food are all my favourite aspects. Out of the three homes I have stayed, this is outstanding.”

Look-a-likes of the classic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise officially opened the nursing home.

Mrs Maudsley added: “Morecambe and Wise were the perfect pair to open our new nursing home.

“They are much loved by our residents and brought joy and fun to the event,” she added.