TWO old friends celebrated half-a-century of living in a Dorset care home with a shared party.

Gerald Dempsey, 73, and Anthony Vos, 77 - who both have learning difficulties - first met at a home in New Milton, Hampshire, in the early 1950s.

They moved to Binnegar Hall Care Home in East Stoke, near Wareham, within a few months of each other in 1955 and have stayed there ever since.

Gerald, originally from Kent, was a keen cyclist in his younger days but now enjoys tapestry and cross-stitch.

Anthony, who was captain of Binnegar Hall's cricket team for many years, spends a lot of time writing his own stories.

The pair were joined by staff and other residents at their 50th anniversary party.