A BASINGSTOKE care home had a special visit from a television personality.

ITV Meridian newsreader Sangeeta Bhabra was the guest of honour at Marnel Lodge Care Home, in Carter Drive, Popley last Friday when she attended the home to officially rename its units.

A communal coffee area has been named Robbins Nest, and four other areas of the home have been named Magnolia Mews, Bluebell Wood, Rainbow Place and Snowdrop Lane.

The names were chosen following a competition, won by Jenny Cooke, a relative of one of the residents, and resident Ann Morely. The winners were selected by the home’s manager Sue Monger.

They were presented with flowers and a £25 voucher for their winning entries.

After Sangeeta cut the ribbon, using a giant pair of scissors, and unveiled the new names, she stayed to talk and have pictures taken with the residents.

Residents were also treated to an afternoon of entertainment from singer Lindsey Walk who performed a range of hits by Scottish band Middle of the Road and they also enjoyed a buffet lunch complete with tea and cake.

Sangeeta told residents that she was “delighted” to visit the home and paid tribute to the care that residents with dementia receive.

She said: “Dementia is a complex and confusing condition. It is fantastic to have a specialised wing that offers a positive approach for residents and their families.”

Ann Hadley, activities co-ordinator at Marnel Lodge, said: “It went really well and Sangeeta was a lovely person and she had lots of photos done with residents so it was really lovely.

“It was a really nice visit and we had entertainment for an hour-and-a-half so the place was really rocking.”