A retirement housing estate was treated to a visit by an Olympic champion as part of its official opening.

Dame Mary Peters, who won gold in the pentathlon at the 1972 Games in Munich, was the guest of honour as Eleanor House, in London Road, was unveiled.

The complex, designed exclusively for those over 70, features 50 one and two bedroom apartments priced between £424,950 and £614,950.

Dame Mary explained how she was pleased to have been invited to take part in the opening ceremony at such an impressive site.

She said: “I was delighted to be invited to St Albans for the opening of Eleanor House.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to chat to homeowners there, reminisce about the good old days and share my gold medal with them.

“I was so inspired by some of their stories and I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the ribbon-cutting and opening celebrations of what is truly a remarkable development.”

Facilities at Eleanor House include a club lounge, landscaped gardens and a guest suite.

Stephen Rolt, regional sales and marketing director at McCarthy and Stone North London, believes the complex, which also offers tailored care packages, will be a hit with the people of St Albans.

He said: “We’re very thankful to Dame Mary Peters for taking the time to visit our new development in St Albans, and to open the show complex apartment to the community.

“Enjoying an independent and active lifestyle in a safe and secure environment is incredibly important, and Eleanor House will certainly provide further choice for those who are looking to downsize to a more manageable property in the area.”