CARE home residents have a new minibus, thanks to Thurrock Council.

Owners and operators of Bluebell Care Home, in Grays, praised the council, saying it had added to the dignity of those in care.

Manager Sue Bennett said: "Bluebell offers its residents an extremely high standard of care, with access to a wide range of on-site facilities, including a coffee shop, a hairdressing salon and a sensory room.

"However, it is also extremely important to us that residents are able to get out and about as much as possible and continue to play a role in the local community.

"The new minibus will help to make this possible to a much greater extent and will ensure residents are able to remain as active and as independent as possible, something which is at the centre of our care philosophy.

"I would like to thank the council for their much appreciated support."