PRIME Minister Tony Blair visited Crook yesterday.

The Sedgefield MP 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.

Durham County Council has closed 16 of its 25 homes to make way for six of the new extra care units, a controversial move which has met with union opposition.

The Prime Minister met a number of resident, including Pat Cant, 69, who has lived at the unit for three months.

Mr Blair listened intently as she told him how much happier and relaxed she was in her new home.

Government Chief Whip and North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong said the scheme was a totally new way of caring for the elderly.