A RETIREMENT home has celebrated their anniversary in the same way they opened.

Martins Court, in Stadium Road, Southend, celebrated being open for 25 years.

The retirement home commemorated the day with very special guest and former MP Sir Teddy Taylor, who also opened it all those years ago.

Celebrating in style, it was a traditional afternoon tea for all the residents, with cake and refreshments for everyone who lives there.

Sue Rimell, 60, lives there with her husband, Alan, and said it was a great place to live and everyone had a good time celebrating the anniversary.

She said: “It has been a lovely day, Sir Teddy Taylor and his wife came down which was great.

“Everyone seemed to have a good time and enjoy themselves.

“There was an afternoon tea and a bit of music. Lots of people came down who don’t usually so it was great to see some different faces and have a nice time.

“This place is really great, my husband and I moved here about a year-and-a-half ago and it was the best thing we ever did, it really was.

“We organised the anniversary celebration and often organise different events including film nights, meals, and fish and chip nights.”