ME and my wife are writing on behalf of my mother who now resides at Shafto House, Newton Aycliffe, one of the seven care homes under threat of closure by Durham County Council.

My mother has made many new friends there and is happy.

Our family cannot praise the staff at Shafto House enough. We have placed her into caring hands, and an excellent job they do.

My mother has served her country well. She worked on Group 1 in the munitions factory during the Second World War.

She was left with two young children to look after; unlike today there were no free hand-outs. Like many women, they had to work.

The standards at Shafto House are high and maintained at all times. All the residents are happy, which is extremely comforting to their families. Why not let them live out their remaining days where they are happy and settled?

Eddie and Dulcie Cadd, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham