FORMER Yeovil MP, Paddy Ashdown, was the guest of honour at a special 25th birthday party in Ilminster.

Paddy, now Lord Ashdown, and a former leader of the Liberal Democrats, was invited back to Muchelney House which he had officially opened in October 1990.

The extra care scheme ran by Yarlington Housing Group invited the peer, local councillors, residents and staff to celebrate the fantastic facilities that Muchelney House has provided over the past 25 years.

Guests reminisced over canapés and drinks whilst Vicky Saunders, extra care scheme manager, presented an impressive cake, which was a replica of the building, to mark the occasion.

Lord Ashdown said: “I am delighted to be back at Muchelney House.

“It’s been a pleasure to meet with the residents and to see first-hand how retirement living schemes such as this benefit local people.

“I would like to pay tribute to the hard working staff whom ensure this marvellous facility continues to serve the local community.”

Since it first opened in 1990, Muchelney house has been home to 114 residents.

It was designed for those who wish to live independently with additional support services available such as domestic assistance, midday meals and even chiropody.

Yarlington’s assistant director of housing, Nick Fry, said: “Yarlington’s extra care retirement schemes give a little extra help to those who need it and offer an enhanced level of care and support to help residents live independently in their homes.

“The residents at Muchelney House enjoy all sorts of activities in the scheme and they show how you can keep active despite increasing age.”