SQUATTERS face eviction from the grounds of a near-derelict house.

Three men, aged 33, 22 and 19, parked a caravan in the orchard of Ashbrooke House, in Queen Alexandra Road, near Grangetown, Sunderland, after being thrown out of their homes by Sunderland City Council.

The four-storey building, which has been empty for years, has been earmarked for a retirement home development by Manchester firm, McCarthy and Stone.

The trio say they just want to stay in the orchard and would like to do "a few things like clearing the drive and tidying the garden up".

But the company, which is seeking planning permission for new plans for the site after losing an appeal over proposals to build pensioners' flats, has a sought a county court injunctionto get rid of them.

Regional director Trevor Thompson said: "I am aware of the squatters and we have already taken out proceedings.

"We have boarded up the property but, at the end of the day you can't stop people getting in if they want to.''

Police say it is a matter for the company to deal with.