HOUSING projects providing affordable homes are breathing new life into the region's towns and villages, say councillors.

At the launch of a batch of homes at Hunters Gate, Ushaw Moor, County Durham, Durham Mayor Ray Gibbon thanked the Durham Villages Regeneration Company for its work in providing affordable new houses for sale.

Haslam Homes, which is also involved in housing regeneration projects in Firthmoor, in Darlington, and in Seaham, is building the homes.

Councillor Phil Stoddart, of Ushaw Moor, said: "This housing partnership is the flagship of our regeneration in Ushaw Moor.

"It will breathe new life into a dying village and will provide affordable quality homes for quality people.

"It will stop young people moving out of the village and also provide environmental improvements."

The Hunters Gate site has been developed as part of the regeneration project by Haslam Homes and Durham City Council.

Durham Villages Regeneration Company is the joint venture company and it aims to improve training and job opportunities for local people in the former coal-mining valley.

Councillor Geraldine Mc-Loughlin, who is hoping to buy a property on the site, said: "There have been virtually no new private houses built here for the past 30 years. It will bring new people to the village and benefit the village churches, schools and doctors."

Haslam Homes is building 146 homes in two and three-bedroom semi-detached and three and four-bedroom detached homes on the site.