HOLT House in Prestwich recently marked its 70th anniversary as a Salvation Army home.

The staff and residents enjoyed a special birthday party to mark the occasion with cake and a tea party.

Until 1934 Holt House, in Headlands Drive off Hilton Lane, was a private family home until the Salvation Army purchased the property.

This was made possible with a legacy left to the charity by John Bromilow Esq of Heywood and Holt House was opened by Mrs Bramwell Booth, daughter-in-law of the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth.

The retirement home has 29 residents, who all joined in singing happy birthday and enjoyed a piece of cake made by resident chef, Dave Ridgway.