Tregolls Lodge in Truro has been officially opened, and guests to the unveiling ceremony got the chance to rub shoulders with one of Britain's top TV personalities, Dame Esther Rantzen DBE.

The lodge comprises of 59 one and two bedroom apartments, specially designed for retired owners.

Many of the occupants were able to meet and chat with Dame Esther, who shared her experiences and tips for a happy and healthy life.

She was also joined by the Mayor of Truro, Councillor Rob Nolan, who praised the lodge's owners for their involvement with local charity Chaos and community group Active Plus.

Dame Esther has worked tirelessly to champion the needs of the elderly, and in 2012 founded The Silver Line.

The project aimed to combat loneliness in isolated older people, and she has worked closely with Churchill Retirement Living to set up The Churchill Awards, which celebrates the achievements of the over 65s.

Dame Esther said: "Growing older is something to be celebrated. Older people have so much to offer.

"People of retirement age who are lucky enough to be able to stay as active and as involved as possible, and can spend time doing volunteering work, trying new hobbies or socialising with friends and family find it gives them a great sense of achievement and purpose.

“As I get older it’s my ambition to have as much fun as I can. "If I were Prime Minister, I would make it a legal requirement that every older person must have fun at least once a day.

"In fact, I think we should all make sure we laugh at least once a day.

“I believe wholeheartedly in keeping your mind active as long as you can, by finding company that you enjoy, sharing time with people you like and doing things that you find engaging.

"Working in a team also gives you companionship, so the owners’ lounges and the social events like the coffee mornings seem to be a great idea.

"It has been heartening to meet the owners of Tregolls Lodge and hear so many positive stories from them.”

Tregolls Lodge offers a range of advantages, designed to make life easier for residents.

Advantages include the owners' lounge, guest suite and lodge manager, as well as security features such as a video-entry system and 24-hour emergency Careline.

All of the apartments have spacious rooms throughout and are an ideal combination of design and functionality.

The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built-in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height.

All of the properties also benefit from illuminated light switches for added convenience.