A RETIRED firefighter and his two canine companions where the first to move into a new Latchford care home.

Alf Jackson, aged 84, moved into an apartment at Belong Warrington on Loushers Lane with Lady the lurcher and Sammy the Bedlington terrier.

Warrington born and bred Alf joined the fire brigade in 1957 and served for almost 30 years moving up to the position of residential fire officer and set up the firefighter's volleyball team.

He said: "I often passed the site when Belong Warrington was under construction, and was impressed by the look of the new building.

"Obviously one of my main considerations when looking for somewhere to live was that my dogs Lady and Sammy could come with me. I shouldn't have worried, they settled in at Belong Warrington quicker than I did.

"I suffer from arthritis and can't get around as easily as I used to, but local dog walkers visit regularly to make sure that Lady and Sammy get enough exercise. We really are enjoying our new lives here."

Janine Curwell, general manager of Belong Warrington, added: "We were fortunate to have Alf move into Belong Warrington so soon after we first opened our doors, and recognise the companionship and other benefits that keeping pets can bring to the people living in the village. We aim to be as inclusive as possible."