The original Meadowcroft building is beginning to show its age and after 40 years since its opening, standards were struggling to be maintained.

Two phases make up the whole project and phase two will start just one week after the 40 residents settle into their new home. It has been a long and painful process getting this far, after part of the Lord Williams' lower school playing field had to be purchased in order to house the new building.

Millions of pounds has been invested into the venture to pay for the top quality care for its residents and provide help when needed.

"Everything is here to hand. Specialist individual care is provided as well as giving the residents their own independence. They can live their lives but socially, they can part of a community," said Sylvia Cann, the manager.

"For the next year, we're going to be a residential home and at the end of the project, we will change the registration for nursing and dementia and care. We specialise in dementia care. We will have 11 beds where they can be cared for in a much more homely environment."

When the whole project is completed, there will be 71 beds for residents with a total of 40 staff on hand.

Mayor, Don Butler, said: "I'm extremely proud of what's happened here. Every part of the project is fabulous. It has been so well planned and I know some of the staff and they are of the highest calibre. It's made this old people's home very up-to-date and able to provide them with the best possible care."

Mrs Cann continued: "I am quite excited and I suppose a little bit nervous. The residents will need time to settle in. They are quite excited and everybody is a little nervous. A lot of them have lived in Thame for years and having this is quite new for them. Most of them are very positive."

Straight after the residents move into the new building, the 40-year-old Meadowcroft home will be demolished.

Construction on the next phase begins within the next few weeks.