A DEVELOPMENT in Northwich town centre is fostering friendship and combatting loneliness in older people.

Residents at Marbury Court, an extra care development at Hayhurst Quay which opened earlier this year, say moving there has given them a new lease of life.

Jill Hird, 79, said: "I've got a wonderful life here, everyone helps each other out and are so friendly, and what's incredible is that within a very short space of time, good neighbours have become lovely friends.

"There are so many activities and social get-togethers that you can really pick and choose - there's always something going on here.

"It also means you can enjoy the company of like-minded people if you want to, but if you'd rather the peace and quiet you have a lovely apartment to enjoy to yourself."

Jill has become firm friends with neighbours Dorothy Moores, 85, Wynne Noden, 86, and Brenda Sayle, 80.

Dorothy said: "We have recently started up a hobbycraft club on Tuesday afternoons, where we do painting, cross-stitch and where I'm teaching some of the ladies to make greeting cards.

"It's really therapeutic and a great opportunity to make new friends, especially for those who are on their own here."

Jill and Wyn lost their their husbands a few years ago and felt they wanted to downsize to a smaller property when maintenance of a large family home became too much.

Wyn said: "It was quite difficult starting afresh at my age.

"All of a sudden you go from living in a community you've always known, to a completely new environment.

"One day I was feeling a bit lonely so I went and knocked on Dorothy's door.

"Sometimes you just need a few minutes chat to make you feel better and she invited me straight in with open arms and was really kind, even cooking dinner for me."

Dorothy has been married to Sid for 10 years, after they met at a bowls club.

They also moved into Marbury Court as they wanted to downsize.

She said: "I love cooking and baking, it's a real passion of mine, but what's great about Marbury Court is that they have a fantastic table service restaurant so if we don't want to cook we don't have to."

The assisted living development, run by McCarthy & Stone, is designed to bridge the gap between conventional retirement living and residential care.

For more information visit mccarrhyandstone.co.uk