NINE families have benefited from rented housing at a new development in Prudhoe.

Gentoo is building 404 homes at its Cottier Grange development on the old Prudhoe Hospital site.

As part of its affordable housing allocation, the Gentoo Group is renting out 61 two-bedroom properties, which are made available to local families.

The first nine of the properties have now been occupied, with the rest due to be added via the Northumberland Homefinder website at later dates.

Caitlin Hall and her daughter Charlotte are among the new residents to have recently moved into their new rented home.

“We used to live on the Front Street in Prudhoe in an upstairs flat and I would dream of a garden for Charlotte to play in,” said Caitlin.

“I now look out of my living room window to stunning woodland and we’ve seen squirrels and deer, it’s absolutely lovely.”

Coun. Gordon Stewart, Northumberland county councillor for Prudhoe South, said: “I am delighted that such properties are now available in this beautiful location.

“The development offers modern homes to local families allowing them to remain in the town, and therefore releasing other housing stock.”

Colin McCartney, head of operations at Gentoo Group, said: “This is a hugely important development for Gentoo, our partners and the local community in Prudhoe.

“We are delighted that Gentoo is building an element of much needed affordable housing which is enabling residents of Prudhoe to access modern, family homes in such a beautiful location.

“It has been fantastic to hear how delighted the new residents are and how easy they found the application process.”