A project to refurbish one of the region's "hidden gems" is to be used as a national demonstration project.

The 17th Century Sir William Turner's Hospital at Kirkleatham, near Redcar, is having a £1m-plus makeover.

The almshouses provide sheltered accommodation for the elderly, who can retain their independence while having the security of a warden.

The building is to be refurbished to form 25 flats with warden accommodation and other facilities.

The scheme, by Tees Valley Housing Group, has now been selected by the National Housing Forum as a demonstration project. It will be monitored against a series of national benchmarks.

The almshouses is the only Grade l-listed building to be selected.