A KIRKBY Lonsdale retirement development has been awarded a prestigious prize.

Queen Elizabeth Court, a McCarthy and Stone site, scooped the bronze prize at the EAC Housing for Older People Awards 2015.

The awards were decided after consultation with thousands of retirees to get their feedback on the communal facilities and the services and lifestyle they receive in their retirement dwellings across the UK.

A record 360 housing schemes were nominated by more than 4,000 residents and homeowners at Queen Elizabeth Court gave the development top marks for its high standards in every aspect; from its sense of community and busy calendar of social activities, to its convenient location, and the practicality and quality of design of the individual apartments and development facilities.

Ian Watkins, Regional Managing Director at McCarthy and Stone North West, said: "We are extremely pleased to have been awarded the bronze award in the category of Retirement Housing 34-39 units for Queen Elizabeth Court.

"It’s a fantastic achievement and is testament to the superior work that has been achieved by all the team responsible for the development.

"From the site managers who delivered the build, through to our sales teams and our dedicated on-site staff that make it their personal mission to ensure homeowners have everything they need to really relax and enjoy their retirement years - it’s a real triumph!"

Jennie Bottomley, House Manager at Queen Elizabeth Court, said: "We’re so pleased to hear just how much our homeowners here are enjoying the quality of life and making full use of all the fantastic facilities.

"It really does have such a close-knit community and we all work hard to ensure there are regular social gatherings including parties, fundraising events, film nights and coffee mornings – there’s always something going on here, you’ll never be bored!"