A Stroud care company has merged with a major independent provider to offer more support for elderly and vulnerable adults who want to remain in their own homes.

In-home care specialists Avida Care has become the Gloucestershire hub for Nobilis with plans to build on the existing five office administrators and 35-plus carers.

Plans include building a new training academy in Stroud to inspire and support the next generation of homegrown carers, plus investment in IT infrastructure and recruitment.

The merger coincides with a new care contract that will offer support to elderly and vulnerable adults across the county who prefer to live independently with the support of local carers in their communities.

Nobilis managing director Peter Harrington said: "Nobilis already has a significant presence in Gloucestershire, delivering care in Stroud, Cheltenham and Cirencester.

"Avida is a fantastic business particularly in offering specialist care, working closely with the NHS on complex, end-of-life care, and we're looking to share that knowledge across our entire business, while bringing our own in-home care expertise to families across Gloucestershire."