EAST Lancashire property firm Hurstwood Group is to launch a new housing company.

The award winning firm, based in Rossendale, will launch the new residential company, Hurstwood Living, to offer new homes and apartments at the affordable end of the market.

The first projects to be carried out by the new company are planned for Lancashire and Yorkshire, but Hurstwood Living could eventually operate nationwide.

Initially the company will build 100 homes per year on developments of between 30 and 50 houses but the aim in five years is to roll out 200 homes per year, per UK region.

Stephen J Ashworth, Hurstwood Group chairman, said: "Our aim with Hurstwood Living is to bring the Hurstwood brand and everything it stands for to a wider audience."