ABOUT 100 jobs will be created in south Oxfordshire when a £60m retirement village opens in Letcombe Regis.

Bosses have promised jobs such as chefs, drivers, beauticians, carers and nurses will be filled by locals when the village opens in March.

Residents have also been told they will be able to use facilities such as the village’s swimming pool and restaurant.

The 12-acre site will include 66 assisted living and 72 independent apartments, as well as a 51-bedroom care home with provision for 30 dementia sufferers.

Two recruitment days have already been held to find staff but skilled nurses and carers are still needed.

Village manager Elisabeth Parker said: “This is creating employment so is really good news for local people.

“A lot of the roles have been filled by people from Letcombe Regis, but also Wantage and Grove.

“We’re very keen for the residents to become integrated with the community, so things like the spa and restaurant will be open to everyone.”

The village, which has taken two years to complete and is aimed at over-55s, features a swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurant, bowling green, nature reserve and lake.

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey said: “This fantastic new retirement village at Letcombe will provide a welcome boost to employment in south Oxfordshire.

“The mix of skills required, and the need for both full- and part-time employees, will fit well with the local community.”