TWO HUNDRED jobs will be created as a care home company expands across the region.

Gainford Care Homes, which was one of the fastest growing companies in the region in 2004, plans to open its ninth residential care home in January.

The £3m site in Seaham, County Durham, will see the creation of up to 70 jobs.

The company, which is based in Chester-le-Street, has secured funding for two further sites in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland.

Together the two homes will create another 130 jobs.

The Northern Echo reported last year that Gainford wanted to expand the number of care homes in its portfolio to 20 by 2010, creating about 600 jobs.

Yesterday, finance director Glen Martin said the firm was still on target and had identified two further potential sites for development.

"We are looking at two more sites and would also consider acquisition if the right opportunity presented itself," he said.

Gainford, which was founded by entrepreneur Mohammed Khaliq in 1995, employs about 500 and has a turnover of £8m.