ROCK n roll, pub quizzes and relaxing spas await those preparing to move into the first nursing home of its kind in the UK.

Middlesbrough’s Fountains Court complex is turning the traditional image of ‘dull’ care homes on its head with its unique approach to dementia care.

At the centre of the home a circular courtyard is ringed by a variety of shops including Bessy’s Tea Room, a Post Office and the Captain Cook Inn, complete with jukebox and a fruit machine that dates back to 1935.

All shops and restaurants are staffed, with residents able to freely explore the facilities, which also include a hairdressers and spa.

Youngsters visiting grandparents can enjoy a burger or hotdog with them in the onsite 1950s diner, one of three restaurants onsite that residents can enjoy their meals in.

The £2m complex is owned by Middlesbrough couple Angela and George Dixon, who created Fountains Court after being inspired by similar projects in Holland.

They hope the unusual setting will help residents improve their quality of life while enjoying a range of activities at the purpose built ‘village’, which was opened by Middlesbrough’s mayor Dave Budd on Thursday.

Mrs Dixon, who has years of nursing experience, said: “Rather than have them come in and have their lives taken over, we want to promote independence and allow them to live a normal life in a safe environment.

“It is all about giving people choice – they have total freedom of movement, rather than being put in one room and left there.”

Middlesbrough woman Mary Larkin, 87, will be one of the first residents to move in.

She will live on the Saltburn corridor, one of four sets of rooms themed according to local landmarks – an attempt to give residents a way to orientate themselves.

Ms Larkin said: “It looks marvellous – I’ve lived in a lot of places and this seems lovely.”

Her son, Eugene, added: “I think we are very lucky, there has been a lot of detail and thought put into creating somewhere that allows people to explore different interests.”

After declaring Fountains Court – which is in Coulby Newham – officially open Mayor Budd said: “There’s a common perception that residential care homes are by necessity rather dull places, where people eat, sleep and relax and little more.

“This imaginative approach will enrich the lives of residents, and I’m certain it will create a blueprint for the future.”