Christmas came early for residents at a Westcliff care home when their lift was repaired - in the St Nick of time for the festivities!

Nine of the 14 female residents who live at the Interchurch Caring Residential Home in Palmerston Road feared they might be confined to their rooms on Christmas Day.

The lift broke down on Sunday, December 12, and could not be fixed as there were problems finding a replacement part.

Nurses at the home would not have been able to carry residents downstairs to celebrate as this is forbidden under health and safety regulations.

Elizabeth Vhikowore (CORR), senior care assistant at the home, said the ladies were thanking their lucky stars the lift had been repaired.

For the full story, see today's Echo.