THE latest look for Wear Valley's affordable houses will be unveiled to the district's 4,500 tenants next week.

A show home opening in Low Willington, next Thursday, will give people the chance to choose how they want their properties to be improved.

Housing management company Dale and Valley Homes is due to start a four-year multi-million pound modernisation programme in the autumn and has promised to tailor each home to individual need.

The company has refurbished a fire-damaged two-bedroomed semi-detached house in Cedar Drive, to show tenants what they can expect.

Neighbourhood manager Kath Wright designed the rooms and suppliers gave the fittings as a goodwill gesture.

Visitors to the show house will be given questionnaires to detail their requirements, such as the height of kitchen cupboards and and what taps.

The company is trying to appeal to new tenants by offering furniture packages.

Amanda Senior, director of development, said: "It is about people being totally involved.

"A couple with two young children, for example, don't have the same needs as a pensioner or someone living alone.

"We would like our tenants to have high aspirations and high expectations so that they demand a high standard.

"The image of social housing is changing and this shows what can be achieved."

Pat Wanless, director of operations, said: "Sometimes people see council tenancies as the last choice, but we want to get across the fact that it can be a good, affordable option, which is ideal for someone setting up home for the first time.

"The district needs affordable homes and we are trying to offer something that will keep young people here by offering high-quality places to live."

A house similar to the show house could be rented for about £55 a week.

The property is at 39 Cedar Drive, and is open from Thursdays to Sundays, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Transport can be arranged for groups.

For details, call 01388-765555.