A NURSING home complex is set to offer its residents a unique added extra - the use of a recently uncovered wine cellar.

Bosses at Middleton Hall Nursing Home, near Darlington, are to open up the wine cellar, which dates back to the 1800s, so those living in its residential apartments can raise a glass.

This follows an unusual request for storage for a new resident's wine collection .

Jeremy Walford, managing director of Middleton Hall, said: "Our new apartments are designed for people who want the chance to live a relatively independent life with the security of knowing that a full system of support is available for them should they need it.

"Every resident is free to furnish their own apartment with whatever they choose.

"If that includes a wine collection we are happy to accommodate them."