It marked the completion of a year-long project to build the extension, called the Lavender Unit, which has eight en-suite rooms with a shower and toilet and nine with a toilet alone.

The unit has its own dining room, lounge and courtyard, and meals are provided from the White Cross Road centre's main kitchen.

Holmwood House manager Ann Chilvers said: "With the Lavender Unit, we are now able to provide dementia care for those who need it and a full range of care for elderly people so they don't have to be moved again once they enter the home.

"It means they can stay in their familiar environment with the staff they have come to know."

At last week's opening ceremony, Mrs Chilvers introduced Mr Bernard Freeman, chief executive of the European Healthcare Group which owns and manages the Swaffham centre.

He explained that the Lavender Unit had been designed especially to care for nursing clients who are elderly and have mental health needs.

Unveiling a commemorative plaque, Mrs Matthews recalled visiting Holmwood House on several occasions and opening its summer fete. She had also spoken to families of people in the home who had mentioned how happy their relatives were there.

Mrs Charlotte Feeley, lead nurse in the new unit, presented the mayor with flowers after the unveiling ceremony.

Veltshaw Builders from Narborough built the Lavender Unit, T.K. Drake Electrical of Swaffham handled the electrics and engineers Knights Warner, of Lynn, put in the boiler and heating.