ELDERLY people in Hampshire looking for company during the day will be able to socialise with others of their age thanks to a new day care centre in Romsey.

Professional carer and managing director David Betteridge had always wanted to create a lively comfortable place where elderly people in Romsey could enjoy themselves for a few hours a day.

Now he has selflessly used £15,000 of profits from his agency, Casbrook Home Care Ltd, to convert the offices at Abbey Enterprise Centre in Premier Way to create the centre.

Set up by the 29-year-old owner, the Casbrook Care Centre provides isolated and housebound people with the chance to meet others and take part in activities five days a week from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

It is a long way for the former Romsey Abbey School pupil who's school report said he spent too much time daydreaming.

“So many old people are housebound and isolated, perhaps because their partner has passed away or their family is working.

“This is something for people that aren't so disabled that they need full-time care. It is a chance for them to meet new friends, catch up with old friends and to take part in other activities.

“We're not delivering this to people who need a lot of care but to those who just want to socialise.

“It's a really colourful and cheerful place where people can get a meal, some drinks and meet others and that's what I wanted it to be. It's a friendly area where people can even just drop in for lunch,” said David.

Born and bred in Romsey, he started working in elderly care when he was 16 cleaning rooms at the Little Dean Care Home in Stockbridge.

After getting the professional qualifications he eventually set up the agency in 2008 and he is now in charge of a staff of 31 people.

“I've always found mature people interesting, in what they had to say. I have always known that I wanted to something in the care industry. I had ambitious plans to set up a care home or something like that,” he said.

“Old people like modern things, they don't want to sit in chair and play bingo. They like modern things and like hear about what's going on in the world.

“This will be a place where people will be given the opportunity to do their own thing,” he added.

To find out more about the centre call 01794 513555.