A SUPPORTED living scheme in Poundbury has received royal consent to be named after a young prince.

The Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have agreed to one of the development’s newest buildings being named Prince George House.

The facility developed by East Boro will provide accommodation and support services for five adults with learning disabilities.

East Boro also runs a similar facility at Digby Court in Dorchester’s Edward Road, which houses eight tenants.

The company developed the schemes to accommodate residents of the recently-decommissioned Douglas Jackman House in the county town, which was run by Dorset County Council.

It has taken on more than 60 specialist care and support workers, some of whom have transferred to the Wimborne-based organisation from the county council.

Chief executive Kevin Hodder said: “We were delighted when we were informed that Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, had agreed to our request to name the scheme Prince George House.

“Being situated in Poundbury and developed so soon after the birth of Prince George, it was an obvious choice and we are both honoured and proud to have received their approval.”

He added: “Prince George House is an outstanding facility which will provide essential services to the community.

“East Boro has invested substantially in the project and we are delighted with the finished product, as we are with Cambridge Court and Digby Court.”

Mr Hodder said that having staff transfer over from Douglas Jackman House has also proved a ‘huge asset’.

He said: “The opening of these schemes has provided a big jobs boost to Dorchester with East Boro taking on existing staff from Douglas Jackman House, and creating more than 25 new positions.

“We have an outstanding team of experienced and highly-qualified staff members and the familiarity and continuity offered by many to our residents has been a huge asset.

“Opening these two new schemes is great news for East Boro and great news for Dorchester and its community.

“East Boro prides itself on providing quality person centred support and care as well as safe and secure homes for vulnerable adults to live in the community and we are pleased to be bringing our services to the county town.”