THE first cash prize in Housing Hartlepool's monthly prize draw for good tenants has found a welcome home.

The £250 cheque was given to Karen Palmer because of the way she kept her West View house in order.

Mrs Palmer qualified for the draw by keeping a clear rental account, allowing Housing Hartlepool staff access to carry out an annual gas service and meeting all conditions of the tenancy agreement.

Mrs Palmer said: "This is a lovely surprise. The prize draw is a great incentive to tenants to look after the property and the garden. It is good that people who are house-proud are now being rewarded."

Mrs Palmer has been a tenant of Housing Hartlepool for more than 25 years and has lived in her house since 2003, sharing it with her husband and step-son.

All qualifying tenants who have been in a property for a year or more will be entered into the monthly draws.

Andy Powell, director of housing management services for Housing Hartlepool, said: "This is an opportunity to focus on the good tenants, those who pay their rent without problem, maintain the properties and comply with the tenancy agreement. Good tenants will be automatically entered for the £250 draw."