STAINED glass windows in a chapel have been carefully removed to be re-used at the development of the longest golf course in Europe.

Shepherd builders, working on the Rockliffe Hall project, near Hurworth, have preserved the Dalle de Verre stained glass windows in the 1960s chapel.

A specialist team was called in to remove the windows so they can be restored for use in the pool area of a new hotel on the site.

The 375-acre site is being transformed into a luxury five-star resort, including a 7,800-yard long championship golf course.

The hall will be turned into a 63-bedroomed hotel and relaxation spa. There will also be 18 apartment-style rooms on the grounds and a private development of 24 homes.

The chapel will be demolished as part of the development. Work is expected to be completed by 2009.

More than 500 jobs will be created in the ongoing construction and eventual staffing of the development.