MORE than 40 jobs will be created after a deal was finalised to acquire a care provider.

Springfield House Healthcare Group, a leading provider of domiciliary care, has taken on Pathways to Independence.

The combined new company will operate under the name of Positive Life Choices, in Darlington, and currently employs 45 staff, providing more than 900 hours of weekly care services, including support to people with learning disabilities and homecare for people of all ages.

The move comes after Springfield bought Newcastle-based Positive Life Choices and Darlington's Ruby Slippers.

Last year, Springfield secured £4.4m from the Business Growth Fund, to help its continuing growth, and says it has plans to double its care services in the next year.

Liz Robertson, general manager, said: “As part of one of the region’s leading healthcare providers and with major expansion plans, we can offer a range of exciting careers and expect to at least double our staff numbers in the next year.

“Springfield is already a leading supplier of homecare for the elderly and wants to grow its services for other age groups, particularly those with learning disabilities.

“We also hope to expand the facilities offered by our drop-in day care centre in Darlington so that it will become a much valued service for local people.

“I strongly believe that with our passion and commitment towards the quality of services and a personal approach towards the on-going support and development of staff that this is an exciting opportunity to be working in the care sector in the North-East.”