A BOLTON housing provider has been shortlisted for an affordable housing challenge.

The Great Places Housing Association project, based in Union Road, Bolton, is one of 17 schemes included in plans for the Housing Corporation's Northern Housing Challenge, which aims to boost social and economic benefits for people across the region.

The 17 schemes - a combination of housing associations, private developers and joint venture companies - plan to provide affordable homes for more than 10,500 people.

Great Places - a Community Equity Trust scheme - combines flexible equity with community ownership, tying-into the Challenge blueprint of achieving economic growth and sustainable communities.