A HOUSING complex for elderly and disabled people has opened in the Medieval courtyard of one of the region's oldest castles.

The scheme will provide five specially-designed homes on the site of the Medieval courtyard in the grounds of Barnard Castle, in County Durham.

The castle, which is now a ruin, dates back to the time of the Norman conquest, but a bigger stone fortress was built in the 15th Century and later fortified by a succession of nobles.

It also has close links with Richard III, who owned the castle and visited it on several occasions before he was crowned.

But now the history of the castle has been married with some of the most up-to-date design ideas to help elderly and disabled residents live in comfort.

All units have a warden call facility and are within a short walking distance of Barnard Castle's main shopping and market area.

An existing house and bungalow have been extensively refurbished, and three cottages have been built around a courtyard as part of the scheme, which is funded partly by Tees Valley Housing Group and the Housing Corporation.

Named Kings Court because of its closeness to the ruins of the castle, it was opened by the Mayor of Barnard Castle, Councillor Michael Wheeler.

He said: "It is important that we are able to find modern uses for historic sites in the town, like Kings Court, that are in tune with the traditional beauty of the area.

"The view that you get here out towards the old castle ruins is superb, and I am sure that these new properties will prove highly popular with local people."