WORK has started on a £4 million extension at a sheltered housing complex in York.

The new buildings will house 25 new flats and two new bungalows at Glen Lodge - an extra care housing scheme in Heworth.

York contractor William Birch is doing the work and has a number of apprentices working on the project. Danny Langdon, David Hayes and Chris Horsley, all at various stages of their bricklaying apprenticeships with York College, are working under their mentor, Steve Bailey, on the site.

Construction manager Simon Potter said: “We are pleased to be continuing this trend at Glen Lodge and our apprentices are delighted to be working on projects in the community in which they live.”

Last month, the company won a RISE (Research Innovation Sustainability Enterprise) award for Social Value for the work it did at Fulford School, and it has also been recognised in the York Apprenticeships Awards.

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care at the city council, said: “With York’s population of people aged 75 and older expected to rise by 50 per cent by 2030, this work is part of our city-wide plan to modernise accommodation for older people in which high-quality services can be delivered.

“I’m very pleased too that a local contractor is undertaking this important building work and is involving local apprentices in it.”

The work is expected to be completed in time for new residents to move in next summer. The council is also extending the help and support available to people at Glen Lodge - known as “extra care” - so it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and people with higher care needs can live there.