A £1.9m housing scheme offering elderly people the chance to live independently is being officially opened tomorrow.

Oban Court, in Whinbush Way, Darlington, has been refurbished and modernised to become part of the borough's extra-care housing scheme that also includes Dalkeith House and Mayflower Court.

It will be opened by Darlington Mayor Stella Robson and Bill Dixon, the borough council's cabinet member for community and public protection.

The scheme provides fully-adapted and accessible homes for elderly and frail people over the age of 50.

Oban Court is divided into flats, with the whole building accessible to people in wheelchairs.

All signs are translated into Braille and it has been decorated to meet the needs of visually-impaired residents.

There is a communal lounge and dining room and a coffee bar, hairdressing and beauty salon, laundry, health and recreation room and a bathing area for those who need help washing.

A range of recreational activities are also organised for tenants who want to join in and meet other residents.

Coun Dixon said: "Many older people want to retain their independence, but need a little bit of extra help.

"The extra-care housing scheme provides them with their own flat, but there is help at hand and, more importantly, a real community atmosphere with communal areas for tenants to meet."