A care provider has created 350 jobs after winning a major contract.

MiHomecare will provide home visits to 700 mostly elderly people in Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Seaford, Hailsham and Eastbourne.

It has been awarded a five-year contract with East Sussex County Council to provide home and community care support services.

The company was previously run from offices in Seaford.

Yesterday it marked a major expansion with a new office in Eastbourne opened by deputy mayor councillor Jim Murray and president of the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce Mark McFadden.

It was also an open day to recruit more than 350 people for new jobs created by the contract.

While the main office will be in Eastbourne care packages will be split up into regional clusters.

The contract will provide “reablement” – allowing elderly people to do as much as possible while supporting them at home.

Christina Eubank, chief executive of the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce, said: “They are looking for people who want a job that’s more important than just taking a wage, but for people who want to do something satisfying.

“They’ve got a great operation and a training centre with beds.

“They spend time encouraging staff to talk to clients. They don’t just rush in and make a cup of tea.

“They know that they might be the only people they see that day and talk to them as a friend.”

MiHomecare originated from the Enara Group, which was bought in a £111 million deal in 2012.

Ayesha Trott, operations director for MiHomecare said: “It’s great that we’re expanding and can offer new job opportunities for people.”