LAW firm Dickinson Dees has helped close two multi-million pound deals in the region.

The firm, based in Newcastle, advised Selby District Council on the first government private finance initiative to fund social housing and advised Darlington Borough Council on the procurement of four schools - including the first "education village" in the UK.

The £18m contract to build homes in Selby meant the construction of up to 250 properties in the Selby district.

A spokeswoman for Dickinson Dees said it was hoped the scheme would clear the way for several similar projects that are under consideration.

Dickinson Dees was part of the team working on the £37m Darlington council project for the education village, which incorporates a newly-built primary school, a secondary school and a special school, as well as the development of a primary school in the Harrowgate Hill area.

Dickinson Dees has been advising the council on the procurement of private finance, and providing guidance on construction and employment law.

The firm was appointed to the scheme in February last year after a three-way competitive tender.