More than 150 people were due to gather in Dorking today for the official opening of The Journalists' Charity's new £4m care home.

The Countess of Wessex will unveil a plaque at the home, which welcomed its first residents in July after two years of building work.

Trustees of the charity, members, benefactors, and local residents will attend the celebration, along with architects and builders.

Civic dignitaries will also welcome the countess, who will speak to residents before offically declaring Pickering House open.

David Ilott, director of the Journalists' Charity, said: "The event is a thank you to our supporters and local residents and a showcase of what we have done."

The event continues 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. It has been replaced because it no longer met modern standards.

Pickering House has 20 bedrooms, all with en suite showers, as well as a dining room, bar, library, chapel, hairdressing salon, gym and an activities room.

Neighbouring Harmsworth House has five extra care flats for residents, and the Dorking home is close to Ribblesdale, the charity's sheltered housing community, where there are eight bungalows and 14 flats.