DOZENS of well-wishers staged a candlelit vigil tonight to show support for a pensioner in the fourth day of his sit-in at a council-run care home.

Former head teacher Don Robson is the last remaining resident of Newton House, in Stanhope, which was due to close last Thursday.

The 83-year-old, who was head teacher at Woodham Burn Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, is refusing to leave and has been joined in a sit-in by his daughter-in-law, Michelle Robson, who vows they will remain indefinitely.

More than 30 people attended the vigil at the care home tonight with many expressing their disgust at the situation they say Mr Robson has been put in.

Kathryne Wray, of Durham People’s Assembly (DPA) is actively supporting Mr Robson and his family.

“Because the council are closing Don’s home, he is being forcibly evicted" she said.

"The vigil was an opportunity for residents, family, friends and activists across the region to gather in solidarity and show we support Don and Michelle’s actions.

“It was a peaceful gathering, it was obviously a protest to show the council we don’t agree with their decisions but it was also to pull everyone together and support Don and his family.

“It’s a very difficult time for them.”

Durham County Council stated they were allowing the family to stay at Newtown House until Mr Robson’s 84th birthday on Wednesday, but Mr Robson and his daughter-in-law have made it clear they plan to stay put beyond that.

Mrs Wray added: “Michelle and Don are determined to carry on with the occupation. We will hold another event on Wednesday for Don’s birthday and after that we plan to keep this going.”

DPA have been sharing updates of Mr Robson’s occupation on their Facebook and Twitter pages, and have received messages of support from as far as New Zealand.

Photos of Mr Robson having his breakfast have been posted each day and some have thousands of views.

Durham County Council could not be contacted for comment last night, but on Friday, Lesley Jeavons, the council's head of adult care, said the authority had been working with Don Robson’s family for two months to support them in finding alternative accommodation.

She said: “While we have the greatest of empathy with the concerns raised, it is simply not possible in the current financial environment to continue to provide in-house residential care."

The council also said the cost of in-house residential care was more than £22,000 per resident per year, higher than that in the independent sector and the home needed significant capital investment.