A housing development, partly funded by a Government grant has opened in Darlington.

The Nomad Housing Group, from Tyneside, has completed its first development in Darlington in Victoria Road, near the railway station.

The six flats and seven houses are part of project which cost more than £800,000. The Housing Corporation gave the project a £316,000 Government grant to help with the work.

Opening the project, Councillor Paul Baldwin, from Darlington Borough Council, said: "This is an excellent scheme with affordable rent levels which meets the needs of local residents. Nomad and Darlington council have worked together in a true partnership to deliver an excellent housing development and we look forward to working with Nomad again".

The development is on the site of the former Corn Exchange and an unsurfaced car park. The scheme includes one family home adapted for people with disabilities.

Twelve of the 13 residents recommended for the properties by the council are from the authority's waiting list.

Neville McDonnell, from Nomad, said: "It is an excellent location close to the town centre and well serviced by public transport routes."