A GENEROUS mystery benefactor has granted the wishes of a charity for adults with disabilities - by providing them with land and a longed-for purpose-built home.

Yatton House Society, which provides day care for adults with learning disabilities and physical disabilities, has been operating from a draughty, cramped prefabricated building for more than 31 years in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire.

But its hunt for new premises became more urgent when it became evident the consecrated land it was situated on was needed as an overflow for the neighbouring cemetery.

A kind benefactor came forward and offered the organisation a piece of land at nearby Skutterskelfe and a purpose-built building.

The new development will mean the charity can offer a wider range of skills for independent living and will eventually also be able to offer respite care to families in North Yorkshire, Cleveland and County Durham.

On Thursday (July 24) planning permission was granted for the new development .

“It’s so overwhelming; it’s something we always wanted,” said chairman of the trustees Christine Gooding.

“I remember thinking many years ago we needed a new place, but it’s never been as urgent as it’s been in the last few years; then this person came along and made this wonderful offer.

“We will have more facilities as well as more room. We struggle with room at the moment and because of the size of our premises we’re restricted as to the number of people we can give a place to.

“The building where we are needs constant repair, it’s old and it’s cold in winter and we spent a lot of money keeping it going. So all our members are over the moon about this.”

Yatton House Society currently caters for about 20 society members from North Yorkshire, Redcar, Stockton and Middlesbrough areas.

The plans, submitted by Darlington-based Prism Planning on behalf of the charity, involve the creation of a building of about 700 square metres over two floors.

It includes a sensory room, woodwork and craft rooms, print service, administration offices, and a coffee shop with views of the Cleveland Hills.

Outside there will be gardens, vegetable growing areas, a woodland walk, bird-watching area and tennis courts. It is hoped a second phase of development will also involve creating much-needed respite care facilities.

It is believed the premises may be completed at some point in the next year.

Fundraising is now needed to kit out the building with IT facilities and other equipment. Anyone wishing to help with fundraising can contact Yatton House Society manager Wendy Richardson on 01642-722380.