A new care home was opened by the mayor of Swindon last week in what was his first official outing since taking on the role.

Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh cut the ribbon at Cotswolds Rise, Hartford Care's 19th care home, situated on Upper Mill.

Attendees were able to explore the home and were entertained with a magic show, performances from children at Farrell School of Irish Dance and songs from the children of St Mary’s Catholic School.

Mr Shaikh said: "It’s an honour to join the Hartford Care team and residents, to formally launch Cotswolds Rise in Swindon.

"A leading care home provider, and a company that’s growing fast, Hartford Care’s ethos of creating caring communities is one we welcome very much to our area.

"I’m particularly pleased that the home is recruiting local people and I wish the best to the entire team."

Emma Jones, operations director at Hartford Care, added: "I’d like to thank the mayor of Swindon, councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, for officially opening Cotswolds Rise.

"We are very proud of our close ties with our local communities, and while we’re a new home to the area, I’m pleased the event was so well attended by various community groups and representatives.

"Building relationships with our neighbours and communities not only helps those around us, but also enriches our residents’ lives, so I look forward to continuing to build further relationships in the local area and welcome new residents."

Cotswolds Rise provides residential, dementia and respite care and has 66 en suite bedrooms.

Located close to the amenities on offer in the town centre, the home features fully accessible landscaped gardens with patio areas and sun terraces.

Mr Shaikh is the first mayor of Swindon of Indian heritage

The Labour member for Eastcott, who was first elected in 2018, took up the chains of office at Swindon Borough Council’s formal annual meeting.

He said: “I’ve always been a believer in shattering your own glass ceiling and offering to others what might not have been offered to me.

“It is the privilege of my life to be Swindon’s first Indian and Goan mayor. But I will be a mayor for all here. I will represent all those who call Swindon home."

He has taken over after serving for the last year as deputy to the outgoing mayor, councillor Barbara Parry.

Councillor Fay Howard, who recently returned to the council, was elected as deputy mayor.