A PROJECT caring for elderly people has scored a century.

Bolton resident Annie Wood, aged 95, has become the 100th person to take part in the "Milestone Project", a joint initiative by Bolton's Social Services and Wigan and Bolton Health Authority.

Many elderly people value their own independence and want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, but even with family support help is sometimes needed after illness.

The scheme offers six weeks of residential care and a further six weeks of support to people over 65 with the help of physiotherapy and occupational therapy to encourage independent living.

Annie, who has lived alone since losing her husband 20 years ago, values her independence and has good support from her family. However, she is becoming increasingly frail, and people were becoming concerned about her, but she did not want to go into a home - she wanted to stay in her own home.

Following the success at Alderbank Residential Home in Kearsley, the scheme has now opened a new centre at Greenmount, Chorley New Road, Bolton.

Annie hopes to join the 70pc of people who have successfully, with the project's help, returned to their own homes.

Councillor Cliff Morris, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health said: "I am delighted that the project is helping Annie to rehabilitate, as many older people need this assistance to enable them to be independent and live in their own home. The success rate is very good and I am pleased a new centre has opened in the borough."