WORLD Cup winner Gordon Banks has given his seal of approval to a new dementia care home.

The former England and Stoke City goalkeeper was the guest of honour at the official opening of Samuel Hobson House, in Wolstanton, yesterday.

Gordon, who is president of the North Staffordshire branch of the Alzheimer's Society, has a personal interest in dementia care as his brother David suffers from Alzheimer's.

He believes homes such as Samuel Hobson House are vital for sufferers of dementia and their families.

Gordon, aged 71, said: "I go and meet my brother in Bakewell every two or three weeks. I know his wife finds it very hard, and it is very upsetting."

Gordon's former Stoke City teammate John Ritchie, who is still the Potters' record goalscorer, died from Alzheimer's in 2007.

This was another factor in Gordon's decision to throw his support behind the Alzheimer's Society.

He added: "I hope that this country does start to think more about this horrible disease."

Samuel Hobson House is a purpose-built, three-storey care home providing both long stay and respite care for people with dementia.

It has 39 en-suite rooms, as well as communal facilities such as a TV room and lounge, and landscaped gardens designed to fulfil the sensory needs of residents.

The home's proprietors, George and Anne Littleton, have run Mayfield Residential Home in Crewe for the last 11 years.

Anne said the £2 million development in Wolstanton had been a lot of hard work, but she was delighted that it was finally open.

She said: "It is a very modern home, designed specifically for people with dementia. All the staff are fully trained to look after people with dementia.

"It's also in a nice environment, and all our meals are freshly cooked.

"The demand for quality homes like this is growing, as Alzheimer's is on the increase."

After cutting the ribbon to officially open the home, Gordon accepted a £1,000 donation to the Alzheimer's Society from the Littletons.

He said he was very impressed with the facilities.