Southern Cross care homes across the Black Country and Staffordshire have had their futures secured after new operators were unveiled.

It will mean relief for staff, relatives and residents following months of uncertainty after the demise of Southern Cross. Two homes in the Black Country have now transferred to Four Seasons Healthcare, with six more homes set to follow at the end of this month.

Sixteen more are set to transfer to HC-One, a new company set up by landlord  NHP and care provider Court Cavendish, on November 1.

Residents and relatives are being contacted to let them know.

Meanwhile, Swan House, in Pooles Lane, Short Heath, has been taken over by Orchard Care Homes.

Nationwide, 140 homes have now transferred to Four Seasons Health Care, including Rushall Care Home, in Rushall, Walsall, and The Gables in Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury.

Ashbourne, in Lightwood Road, Dudley; Fernwood Close, in Wolverhampton Road, Bentley, Walsall; and Hornegarth House, in Walsall Road, Great Wyrley, are set to follow.