HUNDREDS of people packed into a Woodford Green home for the elderly to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Avondale Nursing Home, in Snakes Lane West, was first established in 1989 as a small residency caring for the area's pensioners, and has steadily expanded since.

And on Saturday Mayor of Redbridge Thomas Chan joined pearly kings and queens, morris dancers, singers, residents and dozens of relatives all to mark Avondale's two decades in business.

Inder Ford, who jointly owns the home with business partner Ruth Polkinhorn, said: "It was a wonderful day, the residents enjoyed it so much."

Matron Pat Marshall added: "At least 200 people were there, it was a very good day. So many people came, members of staff who weren't working on Saturday came, even some friends of people who are no longer with us.

"The mayor and his wife were wonderful and the residents enjoyed meeting them. We also had the Right Honourable Iain Duncan Smith who visited us in the week, which was very nice of him."

And staff at the home, which has a current capacity of 20, are looking forward to a bright future.

"I'm sure we'll be celebrating our 40th anniversary in 20 years time," added Ms Marshall.