FORMER inmates and staff at a redundant prison are being invited to share their memories of working and living there as part of a history project.

Hambleton District Council bought the buildings last month (June) and is developing plans for public tours over the summer.

To add to details about the history of the jail, which opened in 1783 and closed in 2013 and once contained the world's largest treadmill, the authority's officers are seeking recollections from people who witnessed its workings.

The council aims to redevelop the site for leisure, retail, workspace and homes as part of its Central Northallerton Masterplan.

A council spokesman said: "We have lots of historical information, but we want to know what it was really like to work and maybe live there.

“With this information we hope to be able to give those people lucky enough to get on one of our tours a real hidden insight into this fascinating old building.”

Details of the tours – which are expected to take place over a two week period this summer – will be released shortly.

Booking, on a first-come, first-served basis, will be essential.

To pass on your memories e.mail marie.woodhouse@hambleton.gov.uk