A new online tool is being used to help people manage the cost care in old age.

Dorset Council has launched a new residential and non-residential care cost estimator for those living in the county.

The tool can be used to work out how much people will have to pay towards the care of loved ones or for themselves.

This includes temporary or permanent care in a residential or nursing home and care at home in the community.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "We know that people worry about how much the cost of care could be in the future, for them or their loved ones.

"We also know that understanding how much you would need to contribute, and how much other organisations would contribute to that care, is both complex and often confusing.

"This is where our new estimator tool comes in.

"Having at least an estimate of how much you would most likely pay, as early as possible, can help with decision-making."