TWENTY five new jobs are being created in and around York as home-based care provider Heritage Healthcare looks to double its operation in the city.

Bosses at the business, which currently has a team of 25 staff delivering care to more than 60 clients, say they plan to increase these figures "substantially" over the next 12 months.

Sarah Dowell, who joined Darlington-headquartered Heritage Healthcare a year ago and is based at the company’s offices at Clifton Moor, manages the York office and is spearheading the expansion.

She said: "My main goals are to provide a strategy and set foundations to continue to grow the business in the York area. I want Heritage Healthcare to become the named provider for good quality care in York.

“To achieve this aim we are planning to recruit around 25 new carers to provide personal care and support to individuals needing varying levels of assistance to remain living independently.”

Glenn Pickersgill, managing director of Heritage Healthcare, added: “Good quality home care enables many people to remain in their own homes rather than ‘bed-blocking’ in hospital or moving into a care home.

“Sarah will work with fellow professionals across the York area to further develop the business and enable clients in the city and the surrounding villages to take advantage of the high quality domiciliary care and healthcare services Heritage Healthcare provides.

“We are pleased to be growing the business in York and providing good employment and training opportunities for the area.”