A MULTI-MILLION pound project to turn an elderly people's home into a special care estate will begin on Monday.

The former Manor Grange home, in Knaresborough, will be transformed into 38 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom flats.

Each extra care unit will have a kitchen and bathroom and will be built to full mobility standards. There will also be communal lounge facilities, a shop and a hairdresser's on site.

The £3m project is being financed by a partnership deal between Hanover Housing Association, Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Teresa Snaith, the association's service development manager, said: "These flats provide the opportunity for people to live independently, while receiving a level of care appropriate to meet their needs."

More than 20 former residents of Manor Grange have been temporarily relocated to Pannal Grange and will take up residence in the development once it is completed in September next year.

A competition to decide the name of the complex is being held among the former residents of Manor Grange and the Mayor of Knaresborough, Councillor Diana Smith, will be turning the first turf on site on Monday.