MORE than £1m is being invested in the future of Trees Park Village, the residential care community based near Teesside Airport.

The money is being spent on new equipment, furniture, carpets and decor. Bathrooms are being upgraded and better facilities for the staff are also planned, including new uniforms.

The investment is being made by Affinity Healthcare, a North-West-based company, which bought Trees Park Village in April 2000.

Trees Park Village is a self-contained community, close to Darlington, set in acres of beautiful gardens. It provides a wide range of nursing and residential care services for over 200 residents.

There are extensive plans to refurbish all the lodges over the coming months. Each lodge consists of a collection of private bedrooms, mainly single, but with some double rooms for married couples, and has its own lounge, quiet rooms, television area and dining rooms.

The first phase of the work is taking place at Oak Lodge, which is being completely refurbished. The 35 bedrooms are being refurnished and decorated and the bathrooms are being further adapted to cater for the special needs of the residents. The communal rooms are also undergoing a face-lift.

Joan Parsons, business development manager believes the results will be impressive.

"I am very excited about this project which enables us to continue to provide the very best facilities for our residents," she said.

"At Trees Park we set the highest standards for the quality of care and attention our residents receive.

"The refurbishment will ensure that our amenities continue to match these standards and equip Trees Park for a success in the future."