The garden of a brand new care home was filled with friends, family and wellwishers as residents held a housewarming party to thank fundraisers.

Adults with learning difficulties, including Downs Syndrome, grabbed visitors by the hand and showed them their new rooms in Firs Court, Hook, on Monday.

Surbiton-based charity Fircroft opened the residential care home in April after years of fundraising helped by Kingston Guardian readers, businesses and supporters.

Dozens of friends of the charity gathered in the garden for the official housewarming on Monday to hear speeches and recognise the dedication and vision of the Fircroft team.

Helping cut the ribbon on the building, the Bishop of Kingston, Right Rev Richard Cheetham, a patron of the charity, said: “This is a tremendous development which is the result of a huge amount of hard work and inspired vision both by the chief executive and her staff and trustees and everyone who has supported this development.”

Susannah Horwood, fundraiser for the project, said: “I am really emotionally attached to this place. It is a very happy day.

“I was walking around just talking to people and they have taken you by the hand and shown you their rooms. We are happy to be able to share it with them.”

Chief executive Kay Harris praised the work of staff and trustees. She said: “I am just so proud we finally got here.”

Residents Delphi Caulder said: “I like living here and especially like my new bedroom and everything in it. I really think this is home.”

Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, said: “This is a fantastic day. Everyone at Fircroft has worked tirelessly for years and this is going to touch the lives of many people and make a very substantial difference.”

John Balcomb, trustee, and former bank manager, said: “We have always said this is their home. We are lucky enough to look after it for them. They are the most important people.”

Architect Jim Garland said: “The residents seem to be very happy here and appreciating the things we hoped they would.”

Runners including Surrey Comet chief reporter David Lindsell, the Bishop of Kingston, Fircroft staff members and supporters will run the 10k London Run again on July 8 to raise money towards the final fit-out of Firs Court.

To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.com/DavidLindsell10krun