A 92-year-old man went back to his roots last week when he drove a new bus around Birmingham - 30 years after he retired as a driver.

Les Harborne is a resident of Terry Spring Court, in Smallwood, and his ambition had always been to get back behind the wheel of a bus.

The dream was made a reality by charitable trust Extra Care, which runs the complex of 59 self-contained flats.

But it is not the first time managers at the West Avenue venue have tried to fulfil the lifetime ambitions of residents.

Manager Ginny Larkin said: "We aim to ensure residents are as independent as possible and we're just here to help and support them in areas and tasks they can't do for themselves.

"But one of things we try to do is fulfil people's dreams and ambitions.

"We have even recently taken a group gliding."

And Mrs Larkin and her team are now busy trying to arrange for resident Madge Tillsley to meet racing driver ace Damon Hill, whom she has always admired.

Meanwhile, two elderly residents have proved they are love's young dream by getting engaged to marry next year.

Tom Mathers, 91, met Ivy Harris, 77, after they moved in to Terry Spring Court when it opened in December.

Ms Harris said: "We're hoping to get married here and have a party like we did for our engagement.

"We've made inquiries about it and we are just waiting to hear.

"We've been invited to stay with Tom's relatives in France for a honeymoon."