A WIRRAL family-run care home has celebrated 30 years since it opened its doors with a special afternoon tea event.

Residents of Salisbury House Care Home in Rock Ferry enjoyed tea, scones and cake as part of the anniversary celebrations on June 24.

Special guests the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Cllr Tony Smith and Barbara Smith who were shown around the home by owners Marika and Russell Canner alongside their daughter Laura.

The building at 83 to 85 Egerton Park was restored by owners Marika and Russell who incorporated traditional features while also providing a modern twist.

Marika told the Globe: "Quite a few years before 1989, my mother was a matron of social services, as my mum was Bulgarian and didn't understand the languages well, so I used to go and help her with her rotas and menus sort of thing so I got quite involved with it and that is how it all started.

Wirral Globe:

(Left to right) Owner Marika Canner and Mayor of Wirral Cllr Tony Smith cutting the cake

"A few years ago, you used to be able to have three-bedroom unregistered homes so that was going to be my first step but then I met my husband and then we said we would do a venture together and that's all how it started.

"It was five years buying this house and renovating prior to opening.

"It was on 24 June all those years ago when we got our first resident in so we thought it was quite appropriate to celebrate.

"We had number 83 first and then progressed to number 85 and then hopefully we will be able to extend again and keep the home going on forever."

Salisbury House offers residential care, dementia care, short term placements, long term placements plus rehabilitation and convalescent care.

A total of 527 residents have passed through their doors since it opened and currently residents are aged from 65 to 99.

Laura said: "Salisbury House opened just after I was born, I was raised here and I even had my christening here - I have basically been brought up here.

"I take a more active part in the legislative side and i'm about to take over as registered manager as well.

"It's in my blood and it was a natural progression for me to come here to carry on what my parents have started."