Almost 500 empty properties across east Kent have been brought back into use as homes.

The No Use Empty campaign, launched in 2005, had an initial three-year target of returning 372 homes to use.

That figure has bene overtaken with 487 vacant properties given a new lease of life.

The campaign is run by the Kent Empty Property Initiative.

It was started as a partnership between Kent County Council and local authorities in Swale, Dover, Shepway and Thanet - the areas identified with the highest number of empty homes.

The remaining district councils across Kent have now joined the campaign.

The latest figures relate to just the four initial council areas.

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Cllr Roger Gough, KCC cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Empty houses are a scourge on our local communities.

"In teaming up with local authorities, Kent has tackled this issue head-on.

"This success is a great testimony to the hard work and dedication of the No Use Empty project team."

Anyone aware of an empty property can report it to the campaign hotline on 08458 247 605.