THE jobs of 20 care workers have been safeguarded and a 19th Century building nursed back to health by a company of chartered surveyors.

Sanderson Townend and Gilbert, acting for receivers Ernst and Young, has completed the sale of Whorlton Grange, a dual registered nursing and care home near Barnard Castle.

Converted to a care home in the early 1990s, the former gentleman's residence consists of a main residential house and an annex.

The new owners have begun a rolling refurbishment programme that will bring the two properties together, reduce the number of corridors and enlarge the existing bedrooms.

The house attracted interest from many people looking to convert it to a private home, but within four weeks of being put on the market, Sandersons agreed a deal with the highest bidder that would ensure the house's continued use as a registered care home.

James Laidler, care home specialist at Sanderson Townend and Gilbert, said: "Whorlton Grange is a fine example of how careful business planning can bring a historic building in line with the stringent care legislation affecting this sector."