A new £2.5 million state-of-the-art old people's home has welcomed its first residents.

Staveley Court opened its doors at the end of June and residents have been moving in since.

The complex was built after a campaign backed by the Keighley News was successful in getting a replacement for neighbouring Ingrow Green, which was too expensive to modernise.

Bradford Council teamed up with Housing 21, the Royal British Legion's housing association, to build the home for life off Staveley Road.

Residents at the complex have their own flats, with a lounge, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Other facilities include a hairdressing salon, lounge, restaurant and spa, with a shop set to open soon.

Alma Jackson had lived at Holycroft House for 26 years before she moved into the new home.

She said: "The place is very good. They had a job to get me here -- but I prefer it here now I have moved.

"I was in the process of getting a stairlift fitted but my son bullied me into moving instead. I am pleased I have come.

"I like everybody who is here. I find them all very congenial and they are all good lasses. They get me up, help me to dress, get my meals during the day, do my washing.

"I have worked all my life and I think I deserve it. Life is easier for me here."

The 75-year-old, who enjoys the extra company that the complex provides, added: "I am used to it here now, even though I have only been here three weeks."

Freda Walsh, 89, formerly of Denby Road, said: "I feel quite at home. It is nice and it is friendly. I was quite happy in my old house but I just needed a little bit of extra care that was closer and I could get to."

Ingrow-born Freda, who was a former deputy matron of Ingrow Green, said: "It is very strange that I have come back here.

"As I remember it you could not find a better home but it is difficult to compare them over the time.

"The former matron is very interested in the development and I have sent her pictures of the new home."

The home provides a day care centre, which provides 25 places each weekday to people across Keighley and some from Bradford.

Day care co-ordinator Agnes Rowling said: "It is the only chance they often have to get out of the house and sometimes their only chance to have a bath.

"We are hoping to get more facilities in place once everyone gets settled. It is a lovely, happy environment. It is very exciting."

She said that all the staff had been looking forward to the move and they had a lot of help from staff at The Oaks Resource Centre, in Oakworth Road, who helped them make the transition.

Edith Waterhouse, who moved in on June 26, two weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday, is also a day centre user.

She said: "It is lovely. I do not know how they have done it all. I find life easier here and I have settled in very quickly."

Dora Gott, 82, of Highfield, another day centre user, said: "We are not as satisfied here because we were used to The Oaks. But it is only our second time we have come.

"I enjoy coming here but at The Oaks there were quite a few of us together, whereas we have just four to a table here and it is not as friendly."

June Firth, 73, of Haworth, has been part of the group for six months.

She said: "I preferred The Oaks because of the meals but I think this is a beautiful place and it is very organised.

"I think it might be a case of getting used to the new environment."

Councillor Kris Hopkins said: "Bradford Council is pleased to be working in partnership with Housing 21, at Staveley Court, to provide high quality extra care housing, support and social day care for older people.

"The service has increased the choice and range of care options to older people within the Keighley area.

"The council is committed to both expanding choice and developing increased levels of care to enable our senior citizens to remain supported within their local communities."