Housebuilder Persimmon has secured �20.64m from the Homes and Communities Agency to build 1,985 affordable homes across England over the next three years.

Persimmon Homes, whose East Anglian operation is based in Lowestoft, has been awarded the funding to build the homes as part of the government's National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP).

It is the first major housebuilder to be awarded the funding, which is designed to increase the supply of affordable homes in England.

Ashley Lane, group partnerships director for Persimmon Homes, said the funding was great news for business and local communities.

'Construction will begin in 2012 and we are currently evaluating a number of schemes throughout England,' he said.