A £3m housing scheme that is likely to become a model for future development has been officially opened.

The Orchards, an extra-care housing project in Brompton, Northallerton, was formally opened by Richmond MP William Hague.

It is the first of its kind in the county and allows older or disabled people with moderate or high care needs to live independently but be supported by county council social services staff, who will be on site 24 hours a day.

Additional care will come from the Older Persons' Support Service of the Broadacres Housing Association, while the local primary care trust will have a nurse at the complex three days a week.

Hambleton District Council provided £2.3m, Broadacres £500,000 and the Housing Corporation £200,000.