A YORK housebuilder has secured five-star status for a record 14th consecutive year.

McCarthy & Stone achieved five stars for customer satisfaction in an independent survey, announced by the Home Builders Federation - and is the only housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this award for this number of consecutive years.

It is the highest accolade a new homes developer can achieve and is awarded annually when at least nine out of ten customers would recommend a company to a friend.

McCarthy & Stone earned a rating of 92.5 per cent, with retirement complex Cardinal Court in Bishophill receiving full marks from homeowners.

HBF's Stewart Baseley said: "Getting a positive endorsement from the people who buy and live in the homes they build has to be the number one priority for a successful home builder.

"Delivering such high levels of customer satisfaction should provide customers with real confidence in the company and the homes that they build."