New data has revealed that the North East has a disproportionately high number of empty homes than the rest of the country.

We have mapped out all 50,000 out-of-use homes in the region to reveal which areas are the worst.

In County Durham alone there are more than 10,000, of which 6,593 have been empty for more than six months.

Michael Kelleher, head of planning and housing at Durham County Council, outlined the ways the authority is trying to deal with the growing problem.

He said: "We recognise the impact empty homes can have on communities and are committed to bringing these properties back into use – a commitment that is set out in our new housing strategy.

"Last year, 210 empty properties were brought back into use in County Durham and our ongoing work to address the situation resulted in us securing five awards at the Empty Homes National Conference.

"This activity includes working alongside the County Durham Lettings Agency and Development Team to source properties for their projects and engaging with our partners to identify the most appropriate action for complex properties, including enforced sales if required.

"We also provide advice, support and financial assistance to the owners of empty properties to help bring them back into use."

Charity Action on Empty Homes has highlighted how the number of empty properties has grown 30 per cent since the last national empty homes programme. 

Chris Bailey, the national campaign manager, said: "In a national and regional housing crisis it’s shocking to see so many areas blighted by long-term empty homes.

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"There are particularly high levels in Middlesbrough, County Durham, Gateshead and Sunderland.

"Newcastle and Northumberland also have high numbers of properties out of use with second homes and Airbnb type holiday lets also a factor in those two cases.

"At the moment we are hearing a lot about building new homes to solve the housing crisis, but it's no good if we keep on building the wrong housing."

Have a look at the number of empty homes near you here: