RESIDENTS and staff at Rainhill's Reeve Court are celebrating the retirement village's 12th anniversary.

The borough's first village of its type - where over-60s can buy, part-own or rent bungalows or apartments - Reeve Court has retained around half of its original occupants since it opened on October 4, 2004.

To mark its birthday, Reeve Court invited Star reporters for a tour of the village, where staff and residents spoke about the secrets of its success.

Reeve Court's ExtraCare manager Steve Warburton said that with the "beautiful woodland" around the village and facilities within, it appeals to residents of all ages. With its on-site gym, spa, restaurant, shop, hairdresser and entertainment, he says, everything residents need is under one roof.

Residents, numbering more than 250, say living at Reeve Court is very different to being outside, with the main benefits including security, an on-tap social life and support, which includes optional wellbeing visits.

Jack Clare, from Sutton, has lived in a bungalow at Reeve Court for nine years.

He said: "I moved here to enhance my life, because of all the facilities available at hand.

"There's something to do here every hour of every day.

"It's a big change to being in the outside community, and the vast majority of people find it a positive move."

Win and Tony Wilkinson, who used to live off Prescot Road, have lived in one of the village's apartments, since it opened.

Win said: "It's so secure here; you don't have to worry about being broken into - and there's lots to get involved with."

Resident Clinton Haigh said: "I came here when my life changed due to divorce. It was a wonderful opportunity because of the social life you automatically get when you come here."

Currently, 58 residents - around a fifth - are registered as requiring healthcare.

Steve Warburton, of the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, which provides the care, said: "There is great support here if, for example, a partner passes away. Residents have plenty of friends looking out for them so they won't become isolated."

He added residents can easily get out and about if they wish to - and they can get involved with events such as Christmas shows and trips away, which have included Ireland and Amsterdam.

He said: "This form of living is a great option for retired people - the model is being used all over the country now."

Anybody who would like to volunteer or become a 'friend' of Reeve Court, or any non-residents who would like to join the gym and spa, can contact Steve on Steve.Warburton@extracare.org.uk