A HOUSING group has earmarked £9.2m to build affordable homes in the region over the next year.

Three Rivers Housing has been able to set the budget thanks to a Government grant of more than £4m through the Housing Corporation.

It is now ready to start work on 78 homes in Darlington, Easington, New Marske, Durham, Peterlee, Hartlepool and Redcar.

In Thornley, near Durham, £1.4m will be invested in the first phase to develop 20 properties in the ex-mining village.

Clare Hepworth, chairwoman of Three Rivers, said: "This is good news for us and the region. The foresight and vision of our local authority partners has helped us enormously in putting together a programme that will truly address local needs.

"We are particularly delighted to have obtained funding to widen our activities in new areas such as New Marske and Redcar this year."

Although homes will largely be available for rent, with some developed for people with special needs, there will also be purchasing opportunities through County Durham's home ownership schemes.

Among the schemes for disabled people will be a £900,000 project in conjunction with Sunderland Health Authority.

This year will also mark Three Rivers' move into providing quality student accommodation in Durham City.