A man from Whitehaven has become the owner of the 500th house completed by a rising North West housebuilder.

Genesis Homes marked the milestone by handing the keys of their 500th completed home to joiner Kev Walker.

Mr Walker, who has worked as a joiner for 30 years and serves as a firefighter in Whitehaven, purchased a three-bed detached Derwent house on the Eamont Chase development in Penrith.

To celebrate this landmark purchase, he was presented with £500 worth of vouchers and a bottle of champagne.

Mr Walker said: "When I was looking for a new build home where my children and I would be happy, I knew I should try Genesis Homes as I’ve always been impressed with their houses when I’ve worked in their properties while laying floors.

"Anybody who knows me will tell you that I’m a perfectionist, and Genesis Homes has the highest quality of build I’ve seen.

"Their homes are well-designed, everything is done to a high standard and the layout of the homes is great and spacious, which is perfect for the kids who need more space now they’re older."

Genesis Homes, founded in 2017, has built homes throughout Cumbria and North Lancashire.

The company is on track to meet its target of constructing more than 300 homes each year by 2028.

Nicky Gordon, founding member and managing director of Genesis Homes, presented the housewarming gifts to Mr Walker, alongside Ashley Conlan, the company’s sales executive at Eamont Chase.

Nicky Gordon said: "The journey of Genesis Homes has been a remarkable one and we’re so pleased with all we have accomplished over the years.

"To achieve our 500th completion ahead of schedule, particularly after riding the waves of disruption caused by the covid-19 pandemic, is something the team is rightly proud of, and we’re delighted to welcome Kev and his family to their dream home at our Eamont Chase development."

As a token of appreciation for reaching the 500th completion milestone, each Genesis Homes staff member received a £500 bonus.

The company has homes available at Eamont Chase in Penrith, and at developments in Stainburn, Lazonby, Kendal, and Halton, in Lancashire.

Genesis Homes will begin construction on new homes in Carlisle, Etterby, Kirkby Lonsdale, Seaton, and Burgh by Sands before the end of 2024.