ACCOMMODATION for youngsters with autism is set for a revamp after a North-East charity won £5,000.

New Cedar House in Newton Aycliffe has been named as a regional winner in the Jewson Building Better Communities competition 2017, with the project scooping £5,000 worth of materials and labour.

Part of the North East Centre for Autism (NEAS), New Cedar House, on Cedar Drive, is a residential accommodation suite for children.

The site can now be redeveloped into a fit-for purpose space to cater for the complex and differing needs of young people with autism.

John Phillipson, CEO for NEAS, said: “We were overjoyed to receive this award. On behalf of the society I would like to thank Jewson for this significant help towards our target. I’m hopeful we can build on this tremendous start and reach our ultimate goal of redeveloping New Cedar House.”

NEAS was invited to join the 25 other winners at an awards ceremony in Nottingham this month where celebrity architect, George Clarke, presented the prizes.

Mr Clarke said: “The funds donated will help the groups and charities make huge improvements to their buildings and, ultimately, make a difference to the communities of today and of the future.”

NEAS made a shortlist of 42 nationally and won the prize following a public vote.