A CARE home near Darlington is undergoing a £150,000 development to help meet demand for accommodation.

Middleton Hall, in Middleton St George, is increasing its number of studio apartments as part of an ongoing investment programme.

Middleton Hall's managing director, Jeremy Walford, said most of the apartments with en-suite facilities had already been booked.

"The studios are ideal for residents who need the support of full residential care but want rather more space," he said.

"They have proved to be a great success, judging by our waiting list and how pleased the first residents in studios have been."

A Tees Valley family company, Coultas and Shaw, from Thornaby, is carrying out the building work, which is scheduled to be completed by the middle of next month.