PROSPECTIVE residents of a new retirement community in Pickering were invited to hear more about the project at a “food and friendship” event.

Held at Pickering Memorial Hall, people were told more about the Mickle Hill development, the first of its kind in North Yorkshire aimed at people over 60.

The build will be the flagship community for national charity MHA, which has partnered with retirement developers Rangeford to provide the village-style development of 78 bungalows and 90 apartments, among 11 acres of landscaped grounds.

It will offer older people the chance to stay as independent as possible, as well providing 24-hour-a-day care and support on site if needed.

The day was the latest in a series of “Stepping Stones” events, where people in and around Pickering can find out more about the retirement village and register their interest. The next Mickle Hill day will be held next month.

Karl Hallows, development director at MHA, said: “We’re very glad to be able to provide this service in Pickering, which we believe will empower and enable older people to continue living independent lives in their own homes, now and into the future.”

Phone 01332 296 200 or email enquiries@mha.org.uk