MORE than 200 jobs will be created by a new expansion plan unveiled by one of the region's largest independent providers of care for the elderly.

The Portland Group, which has care homes throughout the North-East, has planned a two-pronged approach to enhance its business.

It plans to increase its number of properties and also to diversify into financial services for its staff, education, counselling and nutritional advice.

The next five years will see the company increase in terms of property and employees.

Staffing levels are expected to increase from 440 to 650. The number of care homes are expected to rise 12 to 30.

The group, based in Willington near Durham City and led by Alison Morgan, has also appointed a chief executive.

John Carling, 37, will take up the post.

Mr Carling, from Teesside, spent more than 20 years working within North-East financial organisations including Yorkshire Bank and Rowlands Accountants.