TWO care homes for elderly people are to open in Darlington, creating more than 100 jobs.

Each will house 60 residents. The first, in North Park, is due to open in August, and the second, in Hundens Lane, in November.

The homes are being opened by Gary Lewis Care Centres (GLCC), which has three facilities on Tyneside.

In Darlington, the company will be recruiting just over 100 staff for both homes.

Spokesman Dave Eason said yesterday: "Apart from the manager and assistant manager, there will be jobs for senior carers, care assistants, then all the domestic and housekeeping services.

"We are very excited to be opening in Darlington and creating this level of employment."

Mr Eason said there was a need for residential homes in the town, following the closure of a number of facilities.

"The council was interested in new provision coming into the town. From our point of view, we are a very high quality provider and we are absolutely committed to putting the residents first. The homes we have built are well in excess of national standards," he said.

All rooms in the homes are en suite.

"Many of the existing homes in Darlington are converted houses, but our homes are purpose-built," said Mr Eason.

"The first home is full already, although we still have some places at Hundens Lane.

"We are really looking forward to being of service to the whole of the community. We are in this for the long haul."

GLCC has already recruited one employee with special needs, Alan Quigley, and hopes to take on more.

A spokesman for the Wm Morrison Enterprise Trust, which helps disadvantaged people find work in the town, said: "The trust would like to welcome GLCC to Darlington. It is encouraging when employers taken positive action when addressing their equal opportunities and recruitment policies."

For job application forms or for information on residential care call 0191-438 6000.