A £1.6 million affordable housing project has been officially opened by Lord Lieutenant Barry Dodd.

The Steadings in Scotton, near Catterick Garrison – developed on behalf of Endeavour Housing Association, part of North Star Housing Group - is now home to 12 local families.

Mr Dodd opened the new estate by uncovering a new plaque for the Steadings scheme, and said: “Having run successful businesses in Yorkshire I know how important it is to support schemes that will create wealth for the area and improve the lives of local people.

“The Steadings will certainly achieve that and full credit must go to North Star and all of the other partners who worked so hard to make this development a reality.”

Angela Lockwood, chief executive of North Star Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome all of our new tenants to their homes in Scotton. "Having worked in partnership with Scotton and Tunstall Parish Councils, Esh Group and the Homes and Communities Agency on this exciting new scheme, we are proud to be playing a major role in the development of the area.

“The Steadings helps to address the need for high quality, environmentally friendly rural homes in Richmondshire.

"We’re also pleased to see that our development activities are bringing added value to the community, with the inclusion of a play park for the enjoyment of local families.”