The Journalists' Charity's new £4m care home is to be officially opened by the Countess of Wessex in September.

The Countess will meet residents, staff, benefactors, architects, builders and trustees before an opening ceremony at the Surrey complex (below).

The event will continue the royal association with the charity, of which the Queen is Patron.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother opened the original home, Sandy Cross, in 1969, which has been replaced because it no longer met modern standards.

Charity chairman Robert Warren said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Countess has accepted our invitation to open the new home.

"It will mark a great step forward in the 147 year history of the charity and our next task is to raise the money to pay for it.

"It will be a ticket-only event but there will be an open day later in the year."

The new home comprises Pickering House and Harmsworth House, named after Sir Edward Pickering and the Harmsworth family, who have been long time supporters of the charity.

Pickering House has 20 bedrooms, all with en suite showers, arranged in three wings, as well as a dining room, bar and library.

There is also a chapel, hairdressing salon, gym and an activities room.

In Harmsworth House there are five extra care flats for residents in need of care but keen to retain some independence.

The Dorking home is close to Ribblesdale, the charity’s sheltered housing community, where there are eight bungalows and 14 flats.