Boro's name is spreading.

A SPECIALIST unit named after Middlesbrough Football Club has been opened by two of its players.

David Wheater and Tony McMahon cut the ribbon on the Boro Unit at Roseleigh Care Home, Lytton Street, before taking a tour of the new 13-bed unit.

The facility, which will be used to home young people with dementia from the age of 19 upwards, underwent a pounds 50,000 facelift to give it a contemporary look.

It will treat young people with a range of forms of dementia but will specialise in caring for those with Korsakoff's syndrome which is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Manager Sue Abdi, who has worked at the home for eight years and been manager for two and a half, said: "We came up with the name The Boro Unit because we're in Middlesbrough, we support the team and it is for young people.

"It is a much needed unit and will help young people feel at home here."

Roseleigh Care Home houses 50 elderly residents with dementia and mental health issues but the new unit will specifically offer young people both long-term care and respite.

Middlesbrough defender David Wheater was impressed by the unit, he stopped to talk to resident and art enthusiast Tony Wood, 39, the unit's first resident.

It was then on to the elderly section of the home where keen Boro support and Roseleigh resident Bernard O'Neil was waiting to banter about developments in the club.

Mr Wheater told the Gazette: "It's a nice place and just the sort of thing that is needed to help people in the community."

CAPTION(S):

MUCH NEEDED UNIT: Boro stars David Wheater, left, and Tony McMahon, right, chat to resident Tony Wood at the opening of the new Boro Unit at Roseleigh Care Home, above Picture by ANDY STEVENSON