TWO Kidderminster nursing homes for people with profound learning disabilities are to be run by a Northern Ireland-based charity.

Praxis Care Group, which has its headquarters in Belfast, has won a £1 million contract from Worcester-shire County Council to manage the Baxter Avenue and Coombe House facilities.

The deal could create three new jobs at the homes, in Baxter Avenue and Coombe House, in Broomfield Road, with the charity looking to recruit staff. There are currently 17 employees at Baxter Avenue and 34 at Coombe House.

Praxis provides services for vulnerable children and adults. Its chief executive, Nevin Ringland, said: "We're delighted that we have won this contract in the face of stiff competition from major service providers.

"We have been providing high quality care in Northern Ireland, the south of Ireland and Britain for 25 years and these two new homes add to our portfolio of our projects in Leicestershire and Manchester."

Chris Herbert, a commissioning manager for social care at Worcestershire County Council, said: "We welcome working with partners who can provide quality services that deliver good outcomes for the people who use them."

Praxis has more than 1,000 clients, who are mainly people with learning disabilities and mental health problems. Some require intensive care and support.

The charity also runs services for older people with dementia.

Mr Ringland said: "We have built up important skills and experience in the delivery of social care services and in working in partnership with the statutory sector.

"We're excited at the prospect of joining the caring services in Kidderminster."