Work has started on a £3 million project to help house people in mid-Norfolk.

Due to be completed in 2020, the erection of 24 new affordable homes for rent in Shipdham, near Dereham, will see priority given to local people once they are completed.

The site, on Parkland Avenue, will be made up of ten two-bedroom houses, two three-bedroom houses, six one-bedroom flats and six one-bedroom bungalows.

Saffron Housing Trust assistant director of development Mick Loftus said: 'It give us great pleasure to see the 24 new homes at Shipdham progressing well on site.

'We would take the opportunity to thank all those who have made this possible, with particular thanks to Paul and the team at Wellington Construction who have worked hard over a period of time to get the project thus far.

'We are looking forward to seeing the completion of these new homes during the summer of 2020 and am confident that they will be a great addition to the community.'

The new homes are being built by Lowestoft-based contractor Wellington.

Managing director Paul Pitcher said: 'We are delighted to be breaking the ground at this site and starting to build these new homes in the village.

'As a locally-based firm, we take great pride in building top quality affordable homes in the area.

'Not only is this providing much needed homes for local people, but it is also creating employment for local people as well.'

The first sod at the site was recently cut by Mr Loftus and Saffron Housing Trust's development officer Hannah Beeslee. They were joined by Mr Pitcher.

Shipdham is one of the largest villages in Norfolk, situated five miles south of Dereham.

Most of its housing is to the south and part of the village is a designated conservation area.

- What do you think of housing in mid-Norfolk? Write a letter to The Times Editor at Office 440, Breckland Business Centre, Saint Withburga Lane, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1FD or email dft.letters@archant.co.uk.