AN energy efficiency company is planning to create up to 35 jobs after receiving £835,000 in Government funding.

Domestic Energy Solutions, part of the national Community Energy Solutions (CES), will improve the heating and insulation of about 180,000 homes across the North-East. The organisation, which will start operating from Monday, expects to create up to 35 jobs in the coming months.

It has secured the £835,000 funding from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Community Energy Efficiency Fund.

Chief executive Chris Leek said: "This is great news for the region, and such a large chunk of money will ensure that we can deliver a package over two-and-a-half years across the North-East."

Funding has also been secured from Scottish Power, along with the Association of North-East Councils and six local authorities across the region.