An independent heating firm has earned a £3.6m contract from a UK housing association.

Swale Heating will service and repair appliances for Orbit Heart of England for nearly 10 years under the deal, having secured the work after a competitive tender.

The deal continues the Sittingbourne-based firm’s expansion across the country, having moved into Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire in the last two years.

From July 1, the company will add work at properties spread throughout the Midlands, including Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby, Burton-on-Trent, Northampton, Coventry and Hinckley.

Swale Heating managing director Mark Pope said: “Orbit Heart of England is regarded as among the best in the sector and they recognise and value the experience and reliability our highly-trained engineers deliver.

“We are delighted to be chosen by the company to undertake all its vital heating appliance service work and to maintain the highest possible standards.”

Orbit Heart of England’s interim head of operations Nick Melling said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to improve services for our customers well into the future.

“We look forward to working with Swale Heating and delivering a successful long-term partnership.”

Swale Heating has already heated customers in 140,000 homes, working for 35 housing associations since launching four decades ago.

Part of the Orbit Group, Orbit Heart of England manages a mixture of rented, leasehold, supported and home ownership properties.

Swale Heating already has contracts with Orbit South and Orbit East.