Legacy pays for learning centre

The careers advisor has given away much of her fortune

A North Yorkshire woman has donated some of a £9m inheritance to fulfil a life-long dream of giving young people work experience.

Former careers adviser, Jane Ritchie, tried to build a learning centre 15 years ago, but did not have the money.

But when a 101-year-old distant cousin unexpectedly left her a fortune she decided to use some of it to build the £5m centre in Newton Aycliffe.

The Working Place Centre, which offers diploma courses, opens on Monday.

Ms Ritchie, 59, of Wensleydale, said she was shocked when she discovered her relative Margery Freeman had left her the money.

God does move in mysterious ways and he obviously thought it was a good idea Jane Ritchie

The only thing she has bought with her inheritance is a new hat for a wedding.

She said: "It was just sheer shock when the solicitor told me how much money there was.

"It's the only time in my life I've suffered from actual shock. I didn't sleep a wink that night.

"I know people think it's rather odd. People say I could have spent it on a cruise but I can't think of anything worse, I would eat far too much."

The centre is for people aged between 14 and 19 and will offer the chance to learn about the working world.

Ms Ritchie added: "God does move in mysterious ways and he obviously thought it was a good idea to have the learning centre and that's why I was left the money."