A WEATHERMAN forecast a bright future for a care scheme as he officially opened the £6.5 million development.

BBC presenter Paul Mooney unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of The Elms Extra Care scheme in Chester-le-Street.

The presenter said: “Congratulations to everyone who has made The Elms possible; there must be a great sense of achievement to be part of something like this.

“My congratulations to the residents, too; I hope you have many happy years in your new homes, enjoying being part of the great community here.”

The Elms, on Moorfoot Avenue, features 52 apartments and six bungalows for rent, shared ownership and sale.

Designed to enable older people to retain their independence in their own, self-contained apartments, it includes a community allotment, exhibition space, hairdressing salon and IT suite.

Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of the Isos Housing Group, added that the opening of the development was a “landmark occasion in the history of Cestria.”

Area manager at the Homes and Communities Agency, Karen Anderson, said: “The Elms is an amazing scheme which offers independent living for the over 55s through affordable rent, shared ownership and market sales.

“It was deservedly recognised in the recent Inside Housing list of best schemes in the country and I am really pleased that we were able to invest £1.85m in 44 of the 58 homes.

“The landscaped setting, providing a café, hair salon, treatment room and other facilities, helps to tackle isolation and attract the local community to visit the scheme.”