When Fircroft Trust’s chief executive saw the derelict White Hart pub while driving on her way to work she knew she may have been looking at the charity’s future.

The drinking den was closed after a violent assault in the car park.

Back then Fircroft was looking for a site for an exciting project to secure the future of its residents, who were likely to struggle in the loving but ageing and cramped homes the charity owned.

The first fundraising idea, the selling of the pub sign, marked the beginning of three years of hard work, which included funding applications by fundraiser Susannah Horwood and the selling of the three care homes.

Builders Amiri handed over the keys, after some delays, to Fircroft a fortnight ago.

Now the residents can enjoy their new lives in Firs Court after years of waiting.