Redcar-based Coast and Country Housing said it is one of the first registered social landlords in England to embrace the new downloadable technology.

The short video clips can be downloaded from the internet onto a personal computer or an MP3 player.

The organisation said podcasts "bring to life" community involvement and can help to create better neighbourhoods.

'Exciting way'

The first podcast showed how residents in the Dormanstown area of Redcar worked to help clean up part of the Park Court complex.

Iain Sim, chief executive at Coast and Country, which is responsible for more than 11,000 homes, said: "The use of podcasts enables the audience to gain an appreciation of the reality of what happens on the ground in a new and exciting way.

"Being able to watch a project taking place literally brings to life everyone's ideas of how to improve their local community.

"Importantly, it also demonstrates the community spirit that exists on our estates."