A YOUNG mother has become the first person to receive temporary housing and support under a £750,000 scheme to help homeless people in part of the region.

Endeavour Housing Association, in Thornaby, paid £250,000 towards the scheme and Hambleton District Council, North Yorkshire, contributed the extra £500,000 so that eight houses could be bought in their district.

The 25-year-old care worker is delighted with the modern terraced house in Great Ayton that is now her temporary home until the council can find her permanent accommodation.

Referrals for the temporary accommodation come direct from the local authority to Endeavour Housing Association, which provides homes for 1,400 tenants across the Tees Valley and Durham.

The service aims to help homeless people maintain their independence and eliminate the use of bed and breakfasts by next year.