FLOOD victims in County Durham are celebrating after being told they will be back in their council homes before Christmas.

Wear Valley District Council has confirmed that a programme of work, likely to cost £500,000, will start on Monday for tenants across West Auckland and South Church, near Bishop Auckland.

The news has come as a relief to the 88 council residents, many of whom are still living in caravans or with relatives.

They had become increasingly frustrated since the floods caused devastation 12 weeks ago, over when their homes would be repaired.

Geoff Kelly, assistant director of housing for the council, said work would start in West Auckland and Bishop Auckland on Monday, with a finishing date of December 1.

He said the properties would be replastered, as well as being refitted with new kitchens, bathrooms, heating, skirting boards and door frames.

"Our aim is to get everybody in by Christmas," he said.

"The council will visit every tenant in the next few days to explain what the work involves and how it will affect individuals.

It is very difficult to give precise details on when work will be starting on each property, but the driest will be done first."

Irene Campbell, 63, of River Walk, West Auckland, said it was good news for the community.

"I think this will be the best Christmas present for anyone not in their own homes," she said.

"People have felt forgotten and they have had nothing to aim for because of the lack of information. At last we've got a date to look forward to now."

Mr Kelly said the floods had put a tremendous financial burden on the council, because it will not be receiving Government aid towards the work.

He said a planned £500,000 window replacement scheme would be unlikely to go ahead in this financial year.

The two flood centres at St Wilfred's Walk, in South Church, and at West Auckland Community Centre, will be open from 10am to 3pm daily while the work is carried out