Staff and residents at Eastlake Care Home in Godalming are planning a bit of a celebration on Thursday as the home opens its doors to visitors for the first time in several months.

Manager Linda Grout told Godalming Nub News the staff are planning to bake cupcakes and decorate the home with balloons as the first visitors come in to see their loved ones.

She said a letter is on its way to relatives outlining the rules around visiting, which will only be allowed following a negative Covid test.

"We realise this is going to be a very emotional time for both our residents and relatives, as they have not had contact in the way of holding hands for many months," she said.

"We have set up a comfortable visiting room for these visits to take place. For residents who cannot come to the visiting room we will allow bedroom visits again, following a negative test result."

The home is also planning to allow visitors and residents to meet up in the garden, weather permitting.