A BURY nursing and residential home, which has Europe's oldest living person among its residents, celebrated its tenth birthday in style.

VIPs who attended the birthday bash at Chestnut Court included Bury North MP David Chaytor and the borough's mayor and mayoress Councillor Paul Nesbit his wife Shirley.

They joined staff and residents together with their friends and family for the special party at the Newton Street home.

Among the 120 residents at Chestnut Court is 113-year-old Mrs Amy Hulmes, who earlier this year was declared by the Guinness Book of Records as Europe's oldest living person.

Mr Mark Howsham, Chestnut Court activities co-ordinator, said: "Apart from the MP and the mayor and mayoress, we had half a dozen guests from the Bury Multiple Sclerosis Society and all the local ministers. "There was an open invitation for anyone connected with the home to come along to celebrate our tenth anniversary."

Guests enjoyed a slice of celebratory cake to mark the occasion. And Chestnut Court has also put together a special booklet outlining the history of the home.

"The celebration was very successful and the day was purely a social affair," added Mr Howsham.

Chestnut Court, which has a 80-strong staff, is part of the ANS (Associated Nursing Services) group and it was originally opened in Bury in September 1991 by the then Bury North MP Alistair Burt.

The land on which the home stands has a rich local history. A farmhouse, known as Littlewood Farm, dates back to at least 1792.