CHATTERWOOD House nursing home has celebrated completing its £2m improvement project with a re-opening event.

Attendees from Portsmouth Football Club were also on hand to celebrate.

The open afternoon gave the owners, Robin Cheesman and Janet Lloyd Leech, the chance to show off the results of 18 months of renovation work to dozens of invited guests, including residents, staff, friends and family, contractors involved in the renovation and community members.

Many took a walking tour to see the 37 bedrooms, extended dining room with purpose-built kitchen, new office, staff room, reception and new hairdressing salon.

There also is a new wheelchair accessible sensory garden which features raised beds and rubberised paths.

Robin said: “When the company bought Chatterwood in 2002 we always had plans to extend this lovely old building and bring it up to date, but we really wanted to retain the ambience and personality of the home.

“Finally in 2015 we found the right architect and development plan, and we’re all truly delighted with these beautiful results.”

Guests enjoyed a home-made afternoon tea and were entertained by harpist Danielle Clarke. Many met stars from Portsmouth Football Club, including first team defender Jack Whatmough, and members of Portsmouth’s youth team, which Milkwood Care sponsors.

Robin added: “We have so many people to thank for making our already beautiful home into a really stunning place to live and work. Keeping the home open throughout the works wasn’t easy, but manager Di Cooper and all her team, ensured the high standards of care and good humour in the home were maintained throughout all the works.”