THE Durham Aged Mine-workers' Homes Association is starting work on the construction of 12 homes at Peterlee.

The two-bedroomed homes in Southway are being built in a £663,000 scheme with Easington District Council.

The association also plans to build 11 bungalows at St Chad Square, Thornley, in a £600,000 scheme, also with the council.

The developments are part of a year-long £5.5m programme for schemes at Jarrow, Horden, Seaham and High Pittington.

Association director John Humble said: "Our new bungalows, which are acclaimed wherever we build them, will certainly enhance the areas where we plan to build.

"In each case, our local authority partners have identified a need for them.