A CORNISH town famed for its china clay has received more than £9 million to begin building thousands of new eco-homes.

Housing minister John Healey announced yesterday that St Austell has secured £9.55 million for the 2009/10 period.

Around 5,500 homes are expected to be created in the so-called "eco-town".

According to the Government, the homes will be built to the "toughest ever environmental standards".

For the 2010/11 period, the town will receive £2-6 million.

St Austell is sharing in a £60 million pot between three other parts of the country which include Whitehill-Bordon in Hampshire, Rackheath in Norfolk and North West Bicester in Oxfordshire to create the eco-towns.

Nearly a third of the homes will be affordable and by 2016 10,000 eco-homes will be built in the four towns.

Mr Healey, said: "Last year I gave the go-ahead to the first wave of world-leading eco-towns that will set the global standard for green living while helping tackle climate change and the shortage of affordable homes.

"Since then, St Austell has done a huge amount of work to plan new homes designed and built to the toughest ever environmental standards.

"Today I'm backing them with £60 million to help get these projects off the ground.

"This is the start of the country's biggest ever eco-home building programme.

"This means people will be able to experience green living for themselves and see how it can change their lives and save money.

"But green living isn't just about homes. That's why this cash will also help transform local schools and create new transport links and energy sources.

"By the time the eco-towns are finished green living will already be a way of life for these communities.

"Local workers, including apprentices, will help build these pioneering homes and other projects. This will arm them with the new skills in green construction, giving them a head start on their career paths."

The Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) has pledged £2.5 million for greener schools in the four areas, of which St Austell will receive £300,000.

Schools minister Vernon Coaker said: "As the world faces ever greater challenges in tackling climate change, schools are a crucial part of our national effort towards a lower energy and greener Britain."