Oakham Grange is on the hunt for a classic car to become the centrepiece of the soon-to-open care home's dementia-friendly garden.

The £9m residential and nursing care home in Wheatfield Way is set to open early next year and is looking for a Morris Minor - or similar vehicle - to spark positive memories for residents.

Oakham Grange is the first home to be built by Ardale and will provide nursing care and support underpinned by an ethos of promoting independence while maintaining friendships and interests.

Robert Myers, Ardale Head of Care Pathways, said: "A well-designed, attractive dementia-friendly garden is an important feature; we want Oakham Grange's garden to be a fun living space that enables all residents to enjoy some fresh air and to benefit from the vitamin D stimulated by natural sunlight.

"A feature like the car will encourage conversations and spark reminiscence, such as cars individuals have owned previously, holidays they had and first dates they went on.

"This is why we need a car with an original interior as the 'right' smells, textures and colours stimulate the sense and help to recall positive memories.

"Residents may also want to get involved with positive activities such as washing the car, which is not only good exercise but an activity that stimulates their appetite and, in turn, enables a good night's sleep."

Oakham Grange will also incorporate other outdoor features to enable residents to maintain hobbies and interests including raised beds, where residents can grow flowers and vegetables to cook in the care home, and a small putting green.

"Oakham Grange is not your average corporate care home.

"We are family-owned, so create homes that we would want our own relatives to live in.

"From our raised flower and vegetable planters, to our putting green and of course our car, we want all our residents to be inspired to go outdoors," added Mr Myers.

Anyone with a classic car to sell, which fits Oakham Grange's requirements, can contact Mr Myers by emailing [email protected]