A huge expansion in plumbing jobs is expected when work starts later this year on the UK's largest residential regeneration schemes in Gateshead.

Home Group's chief executive, Mark Henderson, said: "We want to build outstanding homes and flourishing communities to transform Gateshead and we've commissioned world-leading architects designing to the highest environmental standards."

Galliford Try's chief executive, Greg Fitzgerald, said: "I am delighted that Galliford Try will be working with Gateshead Council on the transformation of communities across Gateshead.