PRINCESS Anne joined members of the racing world to open a £450,000 accommodation block built in memory of two jockeys who were killed in a house fire.

Racing Welfare have converted the former solicitors office in Malton which was partly financed by a fund set up after the deaths of jockeys Jamie Kyne,18, and Jan Wilson,19, in the fire in nearby Norton in 2009.

The Malton Fire Disaster Appeal was set up shortly after the fatal fire by the Racing Welfare charity, of which the princess is president. Malton trainer Mark Campion said: “I am really impressed. This will be a real help to both youngsters and trainers alike and a wonderful addition to Malton and Norton’s racing facilities. I am confident it will be very much appreciated by all."

The property will provide young people, aged from 16 to 24, who are going into the racing industry in North Yorkshire comfortable, secure homes and added personal support from the local Racing Welfare team whose office is located on the ground floor of the building.

Paul Lodge, the charity's welfare officer, said: "The fire brought the subject to the forefront. It's nice to know we can offer this facility. It's affordable, it's secure."

Part of the new complex has been paid for through the Qatar racing team who raised £200,000 in last year’s London Marathon and have close connections with Malton.