A SOCIAL housing group is marking two years in business by outlining its achievements in that time.

The Vela Group, which provides affordable housing to thousands of people across the Tees Valley, incorporates social landlords Tristar Homes in Stockton and Housing Hartlepool.

Since it was established in December 2010, it has invested more than £49 million to improve customers’ homes with plans to invest an additional £95 million over the next three financial years.

Cath Purdy, the group’s chief executive, said: “Since Vela was launched, the Group has made great strides in shaping places, creating sustainable, cohesive communities and changing people’s lives for the better.

“We are fulfilling the promises we made at the time of Vela’s formation to the people who live in our 17,000 homes, as well as providing much needed new homes.”