Ben Cohen, who made his name at Northampton Saints and is England’s third highest try-scorer of all time, is now a regular at Sale Sharks, and was a popular choice among guests at the Home on Hempstalls Lane in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Friends and families of guests, along with district nurses and social workers from around the area, were also at the event, and enjoyed a buffet and champagne reception with Ben. The day had an ‘Ascot’ theme and guests were entertained by jugglers and stilt-walkers.

Ben received a bottle of champagne from the first resident of the home Bob Lloyd along with a Newcastle-Under-Lyme Rugby Club tie.

Another of the many guests at the home he met was the oldest resident 101-year-old Mrs Minnie Coates. Mrs Coates has hearing problems and Ben offered to buy her an audio headset.

Lorraine Ford, manager at the Home, which is run by Avery Healthcare, said “I know a number of our guests are Sale Sharks fans so it was fantastic that Ben could make it. He really was a super guest and all our residents and staff were quite star struck. It’s not often you get to meet a world cup winner and Ben took time to chat to each and every guest. It’s been a wonderful day.”

The 40 bed Home opened its doors to its first guests in February and is the most advanced care home in the Newcastle Under Lyme area, offering hotel-style accommodation.

It is owned and operated by Avery Healthcare, one of Britain’s faster growing care providers. All its rooms have ensuite toilets and wet room showers, along with TV, DVD, and a drinks fridge.

Hempstalls Hall goes out of its way to respect the independence and choice of its guests while offering a full range of respite, convalescence, personal and dementia care. There is an extensive programme of activities for all guests built around their own interests.

Find out more about Hempstalls Hall