A scheme that is likely to become a model for future development was officially opened in the region yesterday.

The Orchards, a £3m extra-care housing project, in Brompton, Northallerton, was launched by Richmond MP William Hague.

The complex is the first of its kind to be built in North Yorkshire and has been designed for older or disabled people with moderate or high care and support needs.

It will enable them to live as independently as possible in their own homes and will also reduce early admission into nursing or residential homes.

Care and support is provided by county council social services staff who are on site 24 hours a day. Additional support is provided by staff from the Older Persons Support Service from the Broadacres Housing Association, while the local primary care trust is funding a nurse who will be at the complex three days a week.

Extra-care housing falls between traditional sheltered housing and the type of accommodation and care traditionally provided by the residential care home.

A spokesman said: "The aim is to provide an environment which enables people to live in their own home, behind their own front door, but with access to support and care and the community."

"There are also the recreational and educational facilities necessary to enable them to maintain their independence and a good quality of life."

The spokesman said: "A particular feature of the Orchards is that the wider community will be encouraged to come into the scheme to use the facilities, with the intention of making it a vital part of community life and encouraging the social inclusion of the tenants."

The accommodation comprises 30 one, two and three-person apartments and bungalows. Facilities include a restaurant, public and private lounges, a hairdressing salon, fitness centre and landscaped gardens.

Hambleton District Council provided the majority of the cost - £2.3m, while Broadacares provided £500,000 and the housing corporation the remaining £200,000