A MULTI-MILLION pound care home has opened in the region, creating 150 jobs.

The home, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is the fifth to be opened by the Ladhar Group, which is based in Newcastle.

The company's expansion plans mean more jobs are expected to be created in Durham and Yorkshire.

Ladhar chief executive Baldev Ladhar said: "This latest project is part of our detailed growth strategy for the care home division of the group, with more homes planned for the future.

"There is growing demand in the sector, particularly for purpose-built homes in the right location.

"We have also been able to create employment, which is also good news for the area.

"We are currently looking for suitable sites in the Durham and Yorkshire areas to meet our further expansion needs."

The latest development - a £3m, 90-bedroomed home - is in a conservation area close to Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Sheila Agnew, Ladhar Group operational director, said: "We have a number of service users ready to move in and, with the level of interest already shown, we expect to be fully-occupied very soon."

The home was opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by Rowan Duggan, senior business manager at Allied Irish Bank, in Newcastle, which provided funding for the scheme.

Joan Purcell has been appointed manager of the home, which will cater for residents requiring differing levels of care including, dementia-related illnesses, as well as general nursing.

Published: 28/06/2005