ONE of the country's top building companies has won a contract to build 2,000 homes in the South-East.

Bellway Homes, of North Tyneside, is to develop six sites within commuting distance of the M25 to help first-time buyers find houses.

The area has been identified by the Government, which plans to spend millions of pounds to encourage more affordable housing.

Work is planned to start next month and to run for three years.

First-time buyers in the South-East have been hit by rising prices so the sites will provide key worker homes.

John Watson, chief executive of Bellway Homes, said: "There is clearly an urgent demand for suitable accommodation that provides for affordable housing in the capital.

"The developments complement our strategy of organic growth, as well as building upon our reputation for working in partnership with authorities and social landlords.

"The fact that all the sites are ideally located within the distance of major transport spines mean that the developments will relieve some of the financial pressures for people commuting and working in London."