A NORTHWICH care home has started to welcome back visitors after the government eased its lockdown restrictions.

Lostock Lodge Care Home re-opened its doors for family visits, as the first stage of the government's roadmap came into effect on Monday, March 8.

Residents at Lostock Lodge Care Home near Northwich were delighted to enjoy the benefits of the easing of visiting restrictions, with families over-joyed to be visiting their loved ones for the first time in many months.

Steph Molden, Manager at the home, said: "We had some emotional reunions.

"It was wonderful to see our residents reunited with loved ones.

"This has been a difficult time for all our families, the return of visitors to our home will bring a much-needed boost to well-being."

Nina Rogers, Customer Relations Manager at Lostock Lodge Care Home, said: "We’ve seen so many smiles and a few tears of joy today.

"It’s been absolutely fantastic to welcome visitors back to our home again.

"Family is what we’re all about here at Lostock Lodge."

Country Court, the company who own the Lostock Gralam-based home said it is taking a cautious approach to easing visiting restrictions with guidelines in place to ensure everyone is kept safe without reducing the enjoyment of the time families spend together.

Visits are currently by appointment only to accommodate all requests, and visitors must have their temperature checked, wear a facemask and complete a ‘Health Passport’.

They must also submit a negative test result from a Lateral Flow Test before entering the care home.