A new retirement complex in Cockermouth will be named in honour of a local philanthropist, it has been revealed.

McCarthy and Stone, which is building the development on the site of the town's former hospital, will name the complex Lancaster Court after William Lancaster Alexander, who lived from 1820 to 1910.

Mr Alexander moved to Cockermouth after the death of his father, whose estate in Lorton he inherited.

He then spent many years helping to improve the local community.

He was a manager of Lorton School, and had roles at the Embleton and Fairfield school in Cockermouth, where he regularly donated equipment and money to help with improvements.

Mr Alexander even started a crèche for the community so married women could go to work.

He also used some of his own wealth to help fund infrastructure projects in the town, including roads, bridges and drainage systems.

Liz Green, regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone North East, said: “We wanted to choose a name for our new development in Cockermouth that is not only memorable, but that also resonates with local residents.

"William Lancaster Alexander and his efforts helped to significantly shape and improve the lives of those in Cockermouth and the surrounding areas, so we felt it was fitting to name the development Lancaster Court in his honour.

“We are looking forward to becoming an integrated part of the Cockermouth community, and we believe that our development will play a real part in helping to bring friends and family together in later life, something we feel is important and will bring lots of positive benefits to the area.”

Lancaster Court is due to be completed in the spring and will feature one and two-bedroom flats for people aged 60 and over.

There will be a communal lounge where residents can relax and socialise with their neighbours, a guest suite where friends and family can stay, and a roof terrace with views over Cockermouth Castle.

The complex will have a 24-hour emergency call system and a dedicated house manage.