YORK-headquartered national housebuilder Persimmon has reported forward sales beyond 2015 of £780 million as it plans to open 20 new sites before the end of its financial year.

In a trading statement, covering the period from July 1 to November 3, Persimmon said its sales rate was 12 per cent ahead of last year as the builder opened 105 new sites since announcing its half year results.

The Fulford-headquartered firm revealed it is now fully sold up for the current year and has around £780 million of forward sales reserved beyond 2015, an increase of 12 per cent on the same point last year when they stood at £696 million.

To date the group has acquired more than 16,000 plots of new land during the current year, and said it anticipates further "good success" in converting its strategic land into land with residential consent.

Simon Usher, deputy managing director of Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, the firm's local operation, said: "The third quarter of 2015 has been an extremely busy time for the team.

"Our private sales rate is 12 per cent ahead of last year and interest in our developments across the region is extremely encouraging.

"In the last three months we have opened new developments in Sherburn in Elmet and Harworth and we are currently selling homes in Doncaster, Easingwold, Hull, Scunthorpe, Selby, Lincoln, Malton, Hornsea and Withernsea.

"Growth inevitably leads to further employment and so far in 2015 we have seen an increase in our team with technical, commercial, construction and sales teams."

Persimmon said is continuing to work in partnership with local authorities to ensure enough new housing is built to meet demand, and Mr Usher said in some areas there was an urgent need for more local housing for local people. He said: "Persimmon has always been a housebuilder which creates homes for every level of the chain and many of our buyers are moving into their first ever home. Our aim is to continue to deliver homes across the region for buyers who may be renting or still living at home."

In 2015, Persimmon has also been working hard to support groups, good causes and charities through its Persimmon Community Champions programme. Each month Persimmon Yorkshire gives two local donations away, up to the value of £1,000 each.

Mr Usher said: "So far in 2015 we have supported a diverse range of groups including Ryedale Leisure Club, in Malton, Pinewoods Conservation Group, in Harrogate, Snappy, in York.

"Such has been the success of our Community Champions programme we now want to reach even more good causes. We have £2,000 to give away every month and we’re calling on PTFAs, schools, church groups, charities and local groups to apply for a donation."