SIXTY tenants from one of the region's largest housing associations were in the hot seat during a conference in Hartlepool yesterday.

Tenants from the Endeavour Housing Association swapped roles with housing officers for the day to find out what it was like on the other side of the desk.

The Housing Game gave tenants a fantasy budget to spend on housing and staff and challenged tenants to tackle communication methods, planned maintenance and empty properties.

Part of the association's Best Value Conference, the game was designed to show officers what tenants really want.

Charlotte Howse, Endeavour's housing manager, said: "The game was a lot of fun, innovative and really participative. And in the process, we learned more about our tenants' priorities."