A scheme to provide more affordable homes has won the backing of local councillors.

The £1.2m scheme could see homes built in Thirsk, Northallerton, Topcliffe and Easingwold using money received from the sale of council houses.

The plans are part of a long-term strategy being drawn up by Hambleton District Council to develop more affordable homes across the area

The authority's housing stock was transferred to Broadacres Housing Association in 1993 and under the deal the council receives a percentage of sales.

In the past, that money has been used to support its financial strategy.

But the clawback is providing more funds than originally envisaged and the council has decided to divert the funds into more affordable housing.

Cabinet spokesperson on housing, Councillor David Blades, said: "We have earmarked £1m this year and over the next four years hope there will be more cash available."

He said the strategy would be ready later this year but there were a number of "quick win" solutions on the table now. They include converting a hostel in Thirsk into five one-bedroom flats; creating seven two-bedroom houses on the site of garages in Northallerton; developing seven homes in Topcliffe; replacing garages in Thirsk with nine houses; and redeveloping bungalows into seven homes at Easingwold.

"All these schemes are in their infancy. They need more detailed work on them before planning permission is applied for, but they could be the starting block we are looking for," said Coun Blades.

"They are imaginative schemes and will enable us to fulfil a number of pledges, rehousing homeless people and getting people out of hostels."

It is hoped the schemes will also attract money from other sources.