LEGENDARY Olympian Dame Mary Peters helped launch a new retirement complex in North Yorkshire.

She was joined by local retirees and their relatives for the opening of Ryebeck Court, a complex of 41 apartments in Eastgate, Pickering.

Dame Mary, who won the pentathlon gold at the 1972 Olympics, was given a guided tour of the McCarthy and Stone development and its grounds.

She also marked the official opening with a talk on her experiences as an Olympian and sporting ambassador.

Facilities in Ryebeck Court include a homeowners’ lounge, landscaped gardens in which to relax and a convenient guest suite should homeowners have friends or relatives to stay.

The development will also benefit from its very own house manager to ensure the smooth running of the development, a security entrance system, and 24-hour emergency call points – for peace of mind for both homeowners and their families.

Dame Mary said: “It was lovely to get the opportunity to meet and chat with people from the local area. Ryebeck Court really is developing into such a fun and lively community. I’m already looking forward to coming back for another visit.”