THE number of new build homes completed in Yorkshire last year rose by nine per cent, new figures show.

More than 10,500 new homes were built in the region up to December.

Nationally, the number of starts and completions on new build homes continued to rise last year to the highest level since 2008.

More than 143,500 new build homes were started – a rise of 23 per cent on the same quarter a year earlier and up 91 per cent when compared to the low point of the year up to June 2009.

The 'House building in England: October to December 2015' data also showed that the number of new build homes completed were up 21 per cent on the previous year.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: "Aspiring homeowners should get the help they need to turn their dream into a reality – key to that is building the homes our country needs.

"Today’s figures show how our reforms to the planning system are delivering the permissions needed and schemes like Help to Buy have given builders the confidence to invest and build, with starts and completions now at their highest since 2008.

"But we’re determined to do even more, and fulfil our ambition to deliver one million new homes by 2021."