THE final stage of the demolition of Northallerton’s defunct prison has begun.

Bulldozers have started to remove the iconic cell block which looked above the walls at the 3.5 acre site. The block is the last of the buildings to be demolished, leaving just five listed buildings.

The governors' house, the interlinked female, segregation and hospital wings, and the administration block/early officers accommodation wing will all be used in the re-development.

Next month the District Council will select the developer partner it will to work to bring the site to life - it expects retail, leisure, education and housing to be on the list of possible future uses.

Once that choice has been made – and approved by councillors - firm plans will be available, consultation work undertaken and planning applications submitted.