BUILDER David Boyd has become the first winner of a award recognising good landlords in north-west Durham.

He has become the proud owner of the first kitemark awarded under the private landlords' accreditation scheme, run by Derwentside District Council in partnership with Derwentside Private Landlords Association.

The scheme was set up to encourage landlords to raise the standard of rented houses, particularly in problem areas such as Craghead and South Moor, near Stanley.

Councillor Walter Armstrong, the council's executive member for health, presented the award to Mr Boyd for his property in George Street, Craghead.

Andrew Howstan, the officer in charge of the accreditation scheme, said: "On the face of it, this is just another mid-terrace property. But inside, it is truly exceptional - the standard of decor and amenities is very high.

"We have tenants who rent properties elsewhere in the district asking if Mr Boyd has any empty properties. He is regarded as a caring and moral landlord."

Landlords interested in the accreditation programme can contact Mr Howstan on (01207) 218324.