23 February 2013 Last updated at 08:26 ET

Byker Community Trust develops homes for veterans

Maj Gen David Shaw and Jill Haley from the Byker Community Trust oversaw work at the site on Friday

Sheltered housing on Tyneside is being converted into specialist accommodation for armed services veterans.

Work has started on 35 homes for ex-servicemen and women in Byker, Newcastle.

The scheme is being developed by the Byker Community Trust and Armed Forces and Veterans Estates.

The trust said 750 veterans were currently looking for a home in the city.

Veterans will be able to live in the properties for up to two years after leaving the forces.

Building work is being funded in part by a £250,000 Armed Forces Community Covenant grant and it is expected the properties will be complete by the summer.

The trust took over management of the Byker estate from social landlord Your Homes Newcastle last year.

Major General David Shaw, director of Armed Forces and Veterans Estates, said the project was "unprecedented".