A COUNCIL was yesterday named a Regional Champion for Homelessness following its success in tackling the problem.

The title, awarded by the Government, means Easington District Council will now be responsible for supporting and guiding other authorities in the prevention of homelessness.

Easington is one of only 17 Regional Champions for 2007-8 and is the only council in the county to be chosen for the role by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Andrew Burnip, Easington's homelessness and housing advice manager, said: "We are extremely pleased to be selected as a Regional Champion.

"We have worked hard to reduce the number of homeless people in the district by providing advice, support and assistance to those who have lost their home or at risk of losing it.

"We are now looking forward to sharing our experiences with other authorities to help them provide better support to vulnerable people.''

Easington was chosen in recognition of its recent work to reduce the problem in its area.

In 2003-4, 850 people were registered as homeless in the district, with the council cutting the number to 300 the following year.

Figures for the current financial year stand at 86 applications, with help and advice from the team having already prevented 70 households being made homeless.

The authority's status will run from next April until March 2009 and includes a £15,000 grant to help cover any costs.

MP Iain Wright, Parliamentary Under Secretary for State for Communities and Local Government, said last night: "I am pleased to announce the new Regional Champions for Homelessness who will help all local authorities to raise their standards to those of the best.''