A new £5 million old people's home in east Birmingham has been opened by the local MP during a festive party.

Liam Byrne (Lab Hodge Hill) officially opened the Waterloo Housing Association sheltered housing scheme for older people in Shard End last Friday.

Sandham Grange, which has 36 self-contained rented flats, offers independent living in an environment supported by a full-time on-site manager and a 24-hour emergency call system.

The flagship scheme, on Heath Way, also features spacious two-bedroom flats, with a lounge, kitchen and shower rooms.

Residents are also able to use a hairdressers, the computer room and library, a games room and assisted bathroom facilities.

The £4.7 million building was funded by £1.96 million injection from Waterloo and a grant of £2.74 million from the Housing Corporation.