A HOUSING group is on the shortlist for a national award.

Adactus Housing Group is one of six left in the running to be crowned the best large social landlord in the UK Housing Awards 2014.

The not-for-profit organisation has been nominated in recognition of its improved efficiency as a landlord, while increasing resident satisfaction with its services.

The Leigh-based group has tripled its operating surplus in the past three years, enabling it to significantly increase its house building programme and employ more than 100 extra staff.

Chief executive Paul Lees said: "We are the only social landlord from the north of England to have been shortlisted for the category of best large social landlord and it is fantastic news.

"It recognises the hard work of our staff and our boards to deliver better resident satisfaction, make us more efficient and free up resources to build more homes."

Adactus Housing Group is now one of six left in the running for the best large social landlord category.

The awards are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Inside Housing magazine. Now in their 18th year, this year's awards attracted more than 250 entries from all over the UK.

CIH chief executive Grainia Long said: "The UK Housing Awards recognise the excellent and innovative work being done by organisations and individuals across our industry, but perhaps more importantly they help to push up standards and provide inspiration.

"We all have to do more with less and there is always room for improvement when it comes to providing the best services for residents."