MMP Construction has won an £800,000 refurbishment contract.

It will renovate 60 apartments at Hall Farm Flats, in Sunderland.

The work follows the company, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, sealing a £1.3m deal to renovate Thorngate Mill, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

MMP said the contracts sealed its reputation as a company that could deliver major projects.

The Sunderland project has been designed by the Dewjoc Partnership for Sunderland Housing Group. Work will begin this month and is due for completion in October.

The renovation of Thorngate Mill, a Grade II-listed former woollen mill dating from 1848, will create 16 apartments on the River Tees.

The development has been designed by Anthony Watson Architects and is being carried out on behalf of Darlington Homes.

Work started two months ago and is expected to be completed by next April.