A lifeline has been held out to elderly residents facing an enforced move from their Helston nursing home.

Almost 30 residents at Penhellis Nursing Home in Cross Street were told they would have to move out - a decision taken by Cornwall county council because of financial difficulties surrounding the limited company that owns the home.

With the premises facing almost certain closure, the jobs of the 40 staff were also under threat.

The county council, which temporarily took over the running of the home, has now said it is "hopeful" another company may be able to take on the premises, meaning the residents would be able to stay put.

Dr Carol Tozer, director of the Department of Adult Social Care, said it had been an "extremely difficult" time for everyone involved.

"When it became clear that Premium Care Homes could not guarantee to provide the standards of care we require, the department had no choice but to intervene to protect the residents.

"Moving such a vulnerable group of people from their home is always a last resort and we are hopeful that another company may be able to take over the running of the home.

"This will depend upon completion of legal and financial processes that are outside the control of the county council, but we will maintain the running of the home for a short period to give every chance for new other established residential care businesses to take over."

Staff from the department have been working closely with the residents, many of whom are very frail, as well as their families and carers, to identify alternative accommodation in the event of the home's closure.