Dignitaries helped mark the topping out ceremony for a multi-million pound care home in Whitstable this week.

The purpose-built £5.8m facility is expected to welcome its first residents by the end of the year and is located on land between the old and new Thanet Ways.

The Sheriff of Canterbury, Cllr Jeanette Stockley, joined the Care UK team, the company which will run the home, and representatives from developer and construction partner, Jenner Contractors, for the ceremony at the Montpellier Avenue site.

Once complete, it will provide full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 65 older people, with facilities including its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

Tim Parker, construction project manager for Care UK, said: “As the latest addition to a growing portfolio of residential care homes, the Whitstable site represents a major investment for Care UK and reflects our commitment to improving the provision of residential care in the town.

“I am delighted to have been a part of this milestone as we step ever-closer to opening the doors to the people of Whitstable."

Cllr Stockley said: “It was a privilege to be a part of the tile placing ceremony, marking a milestone in the build of a fantastic facility with residents and families in mind. Whitstable will benefit greatly from this state-of-the-art building that will be a welcome addition for the community, and I’m excited to continue to follow the progress of the care home”.

The care home has officially been named Harrier Lodge.