Residents at a housing complex for the over 60s in Dorchester celebrated its tenth anniversary.

Residents at Barnes Lodge, an independent living retirement block in Bridport Road, marked the event with a party.

The very first homeowner moved into the lodge at the end of April 2014 and so to celebrate the anniversary of the first occupancy, a party was organised by residents and the lodge manager, Adam Dicker. 

He said: “Ten years is a milestone well worth celebrating and this party was a lovely opportunity to bring together residents to celebrate regardless of whether they have been here at the lodge for 10 weeks or 10 years.

"The turnout for the event is a testament to the friendly culture and community spirit here which is very much what gives Barnes Lodge its character.”

The 'Barnes Big Birthday Bash' featured an abundance of cake, fizz and raffle all leading to a successful afternoon of celebration that was very well attended.

The complex, built on the site of the old Dorchester fire station, was officially opened by Dame Esther Rantzen in 2015.

Dame Esther has been a champion for the needs of the elderly. In 2012 she founded The Silver Line with the aim of combating loneliness in isolated older people, and has worked closely with Churchill Retirement Living to set up The Churchill Awards, the annual celebration of the achievements of the over 65s.