Emotions ran high as the remaining residents at a Wolverhampton care home being controversially shut down next year held a final festive party.

The eight women, including 106-year-old Louisa Watts, may have lost their campaign to keep Underhill House in Bushbury open, but they were determined to enjoy an evening of live music, laughter and a tot of whisky.

More than 30 staff and family members gathered for last night’s party, which included a buffet donated by people living nearby and a soundtrack of classic 40s songs sung by entertainer Kevin Mack, alias Kevin McCracken from Castle Bromwich.

Derek Watts, the 74-year-old son of Louisa and organiser of the evening, said: “The way these dignified old people have been treated is nothing short of a scandal, but we’re saying ‘You won’t keep their spirit down’. We’ve fought so hard all year and in the end it wasn’t to be but we are going out with a bang.”

There were tears too as residents recounted how they had become close friends. Emmie Gill, the youngest resident at a sprightly 81, said: “This is a wonderful home – the staff, the rooms, the location. I love it here, I love living here and it’s just not fair that it can all be taken away. I won’t find a place I like this much at my age. It’s felt like home since the day I moved in.”

Despite a High Court legal battle, the care home will be shut on January 15 after Wolverhampton City Council ruled bringing it up to standard would not be cost effective.

The Express & Star told yesterday how the site may be turned into a doctor’s surgery under plans by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust. Steve Evans, the Fallings Park ward councillor who has supported the campaign to keep the home open, said: “We saw some tremendous Christmas spirit at this party, just like we’ve seen real spirit all year. What a pity the same kind of spirit wasn’t shown to them and they were allowed to live in peace without having their lives disrupted.”

Staff too were overcome by emotion as the evening progressed. Care assistant Jennifer Serwa said: “I’ve worked here two years and I’ve loved every moment of it.

“These are a lovely group of girls. It will be so sad to see it closed but at least everyone had a great time at the party.”

It also emerged this week that dinners cooked in-house are being scrapped two weeks before residents move out. Main meals will be delivered instead.