Weaver Vale Housing Trust has celebrated the opening of four new housing developments in Winnington, Weaverham and Winsford at a special event held at Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich.

New residents and their families, High Sheriff of Cheshire Susan Sellers and leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council Mike Jones were invited to go on a boat tour and travel down the famous boat lift, followed by a delicious afternoon tea.

The families also took part in a unique photographic exhibition that showcased their homes and gave guests and trust staff an insight into their personal journeys before moving in.

Lesley Worrall, who has moved into Booth Grove with her husband and three children, said: “We were living in a two bedroomed house before we moved in here, the girls were sharing a room and Connor had the dining room as his bedroom.

“The process with Weaver Vale has been brilliant, it took a couple of months but we were kept informed about what was happening the whole time!

“It’s 100 times better, the house is bigger, we can all sit at dining table, the kids can play in the garden and Connor has his own room.”

High Sheriff Susan said she was ‘thrilled’ to be invited to celebrate the opening of the latest homes.

“It is clear that the trust not only has a commitment to building quality social housing but also demonstrates, in many different ways, their commitment to the people who live in them and also to others in the localities in which it operates,” she said.

Cllr Jones added: “It was a privilege to be able to meet some of the new residents and it really drives it home what an important part social housing has to play in our communities.”

“In total, 21 houses were built that have accommodated families with five children in the household to single young men and people with disabilities.

“All are reaping the benefits of their spacious new home and local amenities.”