A £1.4M bungalow development for elderly and disabled people has opened in Darlington.

Built around the Smithfield Road area, the bungalows will provide homes for people with physical disabilities and those aged over 55.

Before the 20 bungalows were built, consultations were held with prospective tenants and their occupational therapists to find out more about their disabilities, and the homes were then equipped for their needs. Four of the bungalows have been adapted for wheelchair users.

The development has been funded through a government grant of more than £800,000 and the Three Rivers Housing Group, which is also creating six units for young adults with learning disabilities.

Darlington Borough Council member Councillor Vincent Bloxsome, a tenant of the scheme, said: "This is the best move we have made. My family and I have been truly delighted with the location and the amount of space we have.

"Everything that we need is within easy reach."

Clare Hepworth, chairman of the housing group, said: "This has been an important project for us and Darlington as the availability of land for housing development here is limited."