A Weardale couple were visited by their MP this week after their home became the 1000th to be upgraded as part of a £40m project.

Council tenants Judith and Keith Heatherington, of Stanhope, say they are more than happy with their new kitchen after workers from Dunelm completed the work on behalf of management organisation Dale and Valley Homes.

As part of the Decent Homes Programme each of the 4,300 properties it manages in Wear Valley will be upgraded to meet a national standard.

MP for North West Durham Hilary Armstrong visited the Stanhope couple, who are disabled, at their bungalow on Bondisle Way.

She said: "I am delighted to be able to acknowledge the successful refurbishment and I have been gearing good things about the builders and good things about the co-operation for Dale and Valley and the way they have organised it.

"I am delighted they have been able to do all this, it will allow people to live safer and more comfortably.”

The couple have lived at different houses they bought on the Bondisle Way for 40 years until their disabilities forced them to live in a council bungalow six years ago, also on Bondisle Way.

Mrs Heatherington added: "You can tell we love Bondisle Way and I'm more than happy with the alterations. The kitchen is a dream. The workers have been very good, very pleasant and very helpful. They were very aware of our disabilities."

The exact work carried depends on the condition and age of each property but it can include new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems and electric wiring.

Chairman of the Dale and Valley Homes board, Norman Button, said: "This is an amazing achievement in such a short time. We are delighted to be able to give our customers modern, well-equipped homes to live in.

"We are also grateful to the customers for their patience and understanding while work is carried out.”