A third children’s home has opened as part of a major care transformation programme in Buckinghamshire.

The council has opened The Beeches, offering a "welcoming and homely" environment for children who cannot be placed in foster care.

It follows the opening of Lawrence Lodge and Pineview earlier this year.

Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: "It is important that children and young people in our care are offered a safe and nurturing place to call home which is close to everything they know.

"By opening children’s homes like The Beeches, we can provide better outcomes and brighter futures for vulnerable children and young people.

"At the same time, by creating our own in-house care homes, rather than using private providers, we can make significant savings which help our resources go further to support young people.

"It is a good result for everyone involved."

The council plans to open a total of 10 homes across the county over the next two years.

The new homes will provide placements for more than 30 children who cannot be cared for by the council’s growing network of foster carers.

More than 500 children are currently under the care of Buckinghamshire Council.

The transformation programme is expected to save the council £7.5 million per year from 2027/28.