ALMOST £1m is to be spent on refurbishing kitchens in 500 council houses in the Stockton area over the next six months.

Hundreds of tenants in Albany, Billingham, Roseworth and Thornaby will have new units, tiling and electrical improvements fitted in their kitchens.

Tenants will be consulted individually. The work is due to start next month and should be completed by June next year.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "These improvements will make a massive difference to the lives of many of our tenants, and we are delighted that this refurbishment programme will soon be under way.

"We are committed to improving council homes across the borough, and to listening to our tenants' wishes. This programme will benefit many households and is the kind of scheme we hope to progress in many more communities in the very near future."

The contract has been awarded to Lovell Partnerships, which will provide a 24-hour callout service as part of its agreement with the council.