An ambitious £3.6m project to convert an Edwardian mansion into a luxury retirement village is shaping up - and some of north Cumbria's movers and shakers have been given a sneak glimpse.

Work is currently underway to turn Scalesceugh Hall - in Carleton on the edge of Carlisle - into one of the first of its kind in the UK.

The scheme, which is spearheaded by Dr Anita Herdeiro and her husband Bruno, is modelled on projects operating in Scandinavia and Australia and is privately funded.

Civic leaders, politicians and business people were given a first glimpse of the work that is taking place to develop the series of luxury retirement villas, which are seen as an alternative to nursing homes and sheltered accommodation.

The pioneering scheme encourages grandchildren to visit their grandparents in the villas - and a children's playground will be built in the gardens.

Houses each have two or three bedrooms so family and friends can visit, while home owners will have access to fitness facilities in the hall as well as grounds for walking and fishing.

Mayor of Carlisle, Trish Vasey, said that the development was a "truly exciting scheme".

She said: "Today we have older people who don't have the infrastructure of family and friends around them, so this offers a community - if and when required."

Her comments were echoed by the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Alistair Wannop, who said that the project was a "broad-minded example of new thinking".

Dr Herdeiro, who has spent many years working with older people and researching into the impact of keeping fit and healthy in later life, said: "Downsizing is a big decision and it's one best taken when you are secure and have positive choices ahead of you rather than through fear of the future.

"Scalesceugh offers you a 250-year lease on your own home, living the independent life you choose and being in control."

Mr Herdeiro added: "We're working harder and living longer so our retirement becomes a very important part of our life and one we should look forward to."