A SCHEME which supports people struggling to keep their home has begun operating in Newcastle and the Moorlands.

The smartmoves scheme, launched in April, has been extended after proving popular in Stoke-on-Trent, where it currently supports 461 people.

Neighbourhood-based smartmoves workers offer a wide range of support, from helping people with budgeting and dealing with rent arrears to getting repairs done.

Jim Keeling, manager of smartmoves, said: "We are delighted that we will now be able to offer the smartmoves service to people living in Newcastle and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

"We will be able to support up to 165 people."

For more details, call 01782 683166.