PENSIONERS from Crewe who lost their homes in the Beechmere fire have been reunited at a care home a year on.

Doris Chell, Janet Kelly and Margaret Jackson are enjoying each other's company once again after they were all rehomed at Belong care village on Brookhouse Drive in Crewe.

The trio were among 150 elderly people left homeless after the fire which gutted the Beechmere Care Complex in August last year. All the residents were evacuated to safety, but many were left without treasured personal possessions.

Doris, Janet and Margaret all lived in various care homes following the fire, but have just moved into their own independent apartments at Belong on a permanent basis.

Janet, 79, said: "It's nice to feel at home with people you know. We all used to have our regular tea and natter sessions and now we're back together, it feels like old times."

Margaret, 83, recalled: "I remember seeing the smoke and thinking it was from a bonfire. Before I knew it, someone was at my apartment door telling me to leave the building.

"Young men from across the road came and were carrying people out — fireman's lifts, picking up wheelchairs, and even people in their beds. We are so grateful to the local community for all of their help."

Team members from Belong Crewe helped the evacuation operation on the night and helped provide emergency supplies and accommodation.

In the following weeks, former residents were rehoused with family and other care homes in the area, but with varying degrees of success.

Doris, 89, said: "The new accommodation was nice enough, but I felt isolated. It wasn't nice being split up from everyone I knew and there weren't any activities to participate in."

But now the friends find themselves in happier spirits at Belong where they have access to the village's shared facilities, which include a gym and bistro.

Margaret added: "The staff at Belong were very welcoming and everyone makes the time to speak with you. We enjoy the activities they put on for us, although they are currently socially-distanced activities. There's a wonderful homely atmosphere."

Belong's new residents - all of whom have lived in Crewe throughout their lives - came across a familiar face when former Beechmere receptionist Dawn Palin joined the care home team.

"I can't believe it's 12 months since the fire. It has had a massive impact on the local community