Residents at the Cheshire Home, Adderbury, will be able to relax in the shade this summer -- if £4,000 can be raised to buy an electrically operated awning for the home's south-facing patio.

The appeal got off to a good start yesterday when a cheque for £1,000 was handed over by the Banbury Cross Round Table.

The table's community services officer Paul Shea gave the cheque to the home's services manager Philippa MacMahon, and long-term resident Anita Cole.

Mr Shea said: "The table has supported the Cheshire Home for many years. We were here at Christmas for a karaoke evening and became aware then that the awning was needed."

Mrs MacMahon said: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive the money."

She added that the home was struggling to pay for added extras like the awning after spending £30,000 on a desperately needed mini-bus.

She said: "That drained our resources but it was something we really needed. Any other contributions now would be extremely welcome.

"We need another £3,000 as soon as possible if we are to get the awning for this summer."