PRIME Minister Tony Blair visited Crook last week where he opened a residential care unit for elderly people, which has been hailed as the future of care for the elderly and was built with public and private finance.
During his tour of Southfield Lodge, in South End Villas, he met residents and staff to see how the £2.2m development was offering residents care while living independently.
Mr Blair toured the home, built along the lines of an indoor village, with a restaurant, bar and communal areas.
Residents have their own flats for extra privacy, but can rely on 24-hour care.
Government Chief Whip and North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong said the scheme was a new way of caring for the elderly.
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