REST home seekers can see their future in the stars after Blackpool launched a pioneering new ratings system.

In the first scheme of its kind in the country, 50 of the resort's rest homes and nursing homes have been awarded star ratings similar to those applied to hotels.

The aim is to help people choose the right home for themselves or a relative more quickly and easily - and also to encourage homes to raise their standards to gain more stars.

Pauline Spencer, Age Concern Blackpool chief executive, commented: "For the first time my staff and I will be able to give elderly people a list of homes which have an independent seal of approval to aid the very difficult choice they have to make, often at short notice at a time of crisis.

"At present being presented with a list of 130 homes and told they have free choice is very daunting. The star rating will make it easier for advisers to steer people to an accredited group of homes." Ranging from two to five-star, the system grades levels of care and facilities from the small and homely to the larger, luxurious establishment. It was initiated by Blackpool social services director Steve Pullan in partnership with Age Concern and the Lancashire Care Association (representing private care homes), using the independent Residential and Domiciliary Benchmarking (RDB) group to assess each home.

The first star certificates were presented to care home owners at the De Vere Hotel last Friday, with 15 achieving two stars, 20 three stars, 13 four stars and one - the Glenroyd in Whitegate Drive - five stars.

Said Mr Pullan: "The RDB star rating system helps us to deliver on our objectives of quality maximisation and best value. It's been a fine example of partnership working across the sectors which is now producing results for vulnerable people."

Delighted social services executive Councillor Sue Wright said the star system would help the council achieve its commitment to the best care for vulnerable citizens, and Frank Hessey, Lancashire Care Association chairman, said: "My association has been keen to promote quality and have good care recognised. The RDB system will give good homes the recognition for their investments in staff-training and meeting clients' needs."

Social services are publishing an information pack for potential residents and relatives, and have set up an Internet website at www.blackpoolstarhomes.co.uk

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