AN EXCHANGE of contracts today means St Vincents Care Home has been saved.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has announced that contracts for the sale of St Vincents were exchanged today. The new owner, Diane Radcliffe of Wight Home Care Ltd, aims to complete on the sale within four months, or earlier.

The home, which currently houses 14 residents, will be kept open as a going concern, with a seamless transition being planned for those living there. Staff and residents will be kept updated on the progress of the sale.

Peter Sandiford, director of SSAFA Client Services, said: "Knowing that Diane Radcliffe is taking over ownership of St Vincents is extremely reassuring, we know that she will bring her own high standards to the home to ensure that the quality of care remains as high as ever for our residents.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff at St Vincents for keeping everything running so professionally over the last six months when the home has been on the market. We welcome Diane to St Vincents and wish her every success for her future with the home."

Ms Radcliffe said: "I am proud and delighted to be taking over St Vincents and to carry on the legacy of care started by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

"Keeping the home open has been a priority for a while now and I am delighted that we can finally bring our hopes and plans to fruition and safeguard the future of this very important residential home for all of our existing and future residents.

"I would like to thank the residents and staff for their patience during the sale period, assuring them all that we are very optimistic for a bright and continued future for the home and that we will be carrying on the ethos given to us by SSAFA to support our residents."