MANAGERS at an Evesham care home have this week unveiled ambitious plans to turn it into one of the best equipped centres for the elderly in the country.

The £1m development at Bengeworth Fields Residential Care Home will include a multi-level therapy pool, which will offer scuba diving lessons as well as swimming and fitness sessions, and facilities for a wide range of other activities.

Home manager Alicia Hastead, who bought the business 12-years ago with her brother David Owen, said she has always wanted to turn it into a resource centre for the elderly and disabled to fill what she believes is a gap in current provision.

Mrs Hastead has more than 30 years experience as a nurse and carer, and is anxious to provide the best for all people with special needs.

She said: "There are not many old people's homes and not many facilities for them where they can go and do anything. There is a need out there for the elderly and disabled which we would like to meet."

In the past year the home has been given an Investment in People Award, for its commitment to staff, and next week will receive another award from Worcestershire County Council to mark the involvement of residents and users in the running of the facility.

Planning permission has already been granted for the new project and work is due to begin on an extension to double the residential capacity from 10 to 20. Work will begin on phase two, which includes the pool, as soon as funds have been raised.

Local businesses have been approached to sponsor the scheme, and running costs will be met by hiring out the pool to other groups.

Anyone who would like to offer help should call Mr Owen on 01386 446862.