A petition has been launched urging council bosses to keep a popular Breckland care home open.

Thetford councillor Mike Brindle has started the petition to ask Norfolk County Council to save Priorsmead care home on the town's Abbey Estate.

Run by Norse Care - a company set up and run by the county council - the home could face closure as the authority looks at ways to save money.

Mr Brindle said he has heard nothing but positive comments about the home, which is the smallest operated by Norse Care with a capacity of 16 residents.

On Saturday the Labour councillor was joined by 15 people to launch the petition on the Abbey Estate.

Around 400 signatures were collected on the day and an online petition has attracted more than 250 backers.

Mr Brindle said: 'The care provided by Priorsmead was rated as 'good' by the Care Quality Commission just two years ago and I hear nothing but positive reviews by residents and their families.

'Smaller units such as Priorsmead are important as they provide a mix of care choices for families.

'Thetford is a growing community and already families are struggling to find local care homes for their loved ones.'

MORE - Norfolk care home could be closed as council bosses look at ways to save money

A review of Norse Care's residential care homes identified that a place in Priorsmead costs more than a place in any of Norse Care's other residential care homes.

The council said in light of the 'particularly challenging financial environment and having assessed a range of options', they had decided to consult on the future of the home.

An eight-week consultation started at the end of last month and will last until October 18.

The findings of which will be fed back to the Norse Care/adult social care liaison board, which will then make a recommendation to the county council.

If the proposal to shut the home went ahead, the council has said Norse Care and County Hall's adult social services department would support the residents to remain living in the area close to family and friends.

Mr Bridle has said relatives of staff have expressed their desire to see Priorsmead kept open.

To view the petition click here