It is hoped that a new business will come forward to take over the running of a stricken Helston care home.

Cornwall county council has said it is "actively seeking to maintain" Helston's Penhellis Care Home in order to give a new business the chance to take over running the home and enable those residents who wish to remain there.

The council's department of adult social care was forced to take over the running of the Helston home to protect the welfare of the residents two weeks ago, when the financial difficulties of Premium Care Homes Ltd meant that it could not guarantee the safeguard of its residents. The financial problems meant the company was unable to pay its staff.

Dr Carol Tozer, director of the department of adult social care, said that the county council had done its "very best" to support residents and staff at Penhellis over the past few days and had been actively working to find a positive outcome.

She added that the council was hopeful that another company would come forward to take over the running of Penhellis quickly and intended to maintain the home for up to a further four weeks, to enable further discussions to take place between Premium Care Homes Ltd and interested parties.

"Moving vulnerable people from their home is always a last resort and we remain hopeful that another company will come forward," said Dr Tozer. "The council appreciates the uncertainty and anxiety this situation is creating and will be working closely with residents and carers to provide as much support as possible."