A ROWAN tree was planted yesterday by Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond to mark work starting on a £34m retirement village.

The site, at Hartfields in the town, which is being developed by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, will have 214 apartments and 28 bungalows, all designed for people in later life.

It will feature a covered village street, complete with healthy living centre, restaurant and coffee bar, shop, hairdressers, lounge, IT facilities and craft room.

The development will be in landscaped grounds with a village square and a village green.

Hartlepool Borough Council's adult and community services department and Hartlepool Primary Care Trust also plan to base outreach teams in the village's day centre.

Mr Drummond said yesterday: "It is very exciting. There has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears shed to get to this stage.

"Hartfields is going to benefit 350 of our elderly people and create a whole new community.

"It is something that is needed in the town and, from what I can gather, there is going to be a big demand for the homes."