THERE was an extra special welcome home for residents of 17th-century almshouses undergoing a million pound makeover.

The grade one listed Sir William Turner's Hospital at Kirkleatham, which provides sheltered accommodation for the elderly, has been undergoing major refurbishment.

Residents Ann Webster and Edith Nightingale have been able to move back into their homes after the first phase was completed.

New facilities will include 25 self-contained flats with warden accommodation, a communal lounge, laundry facilities and a guestroom with en-suite facilities.

The cost will exceed £1.7m and has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Tees Valley Housing Group.

Mrs Nightingale moved on to the almshouses site in 1966 when she became a warden at the hospital.

"Its wonderful to see the almshouses being restored in this way," she said. "In all my 35 years here I have never seen the cottages looking so good - it really has been a marvellous job.