A Kirkby Lonsdale retirement scheme has received a special commendation at a national award ceremony.

McCarthy and Stone Retirement Living development gained an accolade in the Elderly Accommodation Counsel Awards (EAC) 2017.

The development received praise in all areas of its operation including: the practicality and quality of the design of individual apartments to its facilities and convenient location.

Managing director at McCarthy and Stone Management Services, Mark Riddington, commented: “This is a fantastic achievement and it recognises the efforts of Queen Elizabeth Court’s dedicated on-site staff, who make it their personal mission to ensure homeowners have everything they need to relax and enjoy their retirement years.

“It really does have such a close-knit community and the team works hard to ensure there are regular social gatherings including parties, fundraising events, film nights and coffee mornings – there’s always something going on.”

Queen Elizabeth Court on Tram Lane is one of 76 retirement developments to have been commended out of almost 250,000 retirement housing schemes nationwide.

The awards celebrate the best of specialist housing for older people and are now in their seventh year.

Chief executive of EAC, John Galvin, said: "Specialist housing for older people plays an enormously significant role in helping them stay independent for longer.

“The security, support and great communities have a positive impact on individuals and reduce the need for NHS services.”

Queen Elizabeth Court also won Best Retirement Development during the UK Property Awards in 2014.

Over ten thousand homeowners, staff visitors and volunteers were able to vote for their favourite scheme.

Queen Elizabeth Court benefits from shared spaces within the development including a homeowner’s lounge and a guest suite.

Exterior maintenance is taken care of by the development’s team of experts including maintenance to the gardens, and an experienced House Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of the development.