A brand-new retirement complex was opened by an Olympic sporting legend in a special ceremony. 

Dorchester retirees and their relatives were joined by Dame Mary Peters in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Bowes Lyon Court, McCarthy and Stone’s new retirement development in Poundbury, Dorchester. 

Crowds including staff and homeowners gathered for a speech by Dame Mary at the special event on Tuesday, where she talked about her experiences as an Olympian and sporting ambassador. 

She said: “I was delighted to be invited to Poundbury for the opening of Bowes Lyon Court. 

“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.”

Dame Mary won the women’s pentathlon gold medal at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. She brought along her gold medal to the ceremony which was admired by homeowners as she talked to them at the complex before joining in with a game of bowls.

The sales team were also on hand to talk to anyone interested in finding out more about life at Bowes Lyon Court.

The development, taken from the Queen Mother's maiden name, has the blessing of Prince Charles.

Now over 60 percent sold, Bowes Lyon Court consists of 62 one and two bedroom apartments aimed exclusively at over-70s. 

Situated in Queen Mother Square, the complex will offer an on-site restaurant providing a three-course lunch, and a guest suite for visits from friends and family. 

Kim Caldwell, regional sales and marketing director at McCarthy and Stone Southern, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Dame Mary Peters, as well as so many people from the local area to celebrate the opening of Bowes Lyon Court and give it the golden treatment it deserves.”

For more information about Bowes Lyon Court call 0800 201 4847.