Pictured: A view of the new NRHA development, Lime Trees Close, Hannington

Residents of a new housing development in rural Northamptonshire are looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas in the eco-friendly homes.

Families are settling into the five houses and one bungalow in the small village of Hannington, for which the 2001 Census recorded a population of just 207.

The homes were built in the parish, in the district of Daventry, by Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association, a specialist provider of affordable housing in rural areas. Its aim is to support and sustain rural communities, where house prices can be exclusive.

Among the new residents in Lime Trees Close is John Sankey, who has lived in Hannington for 25 years. He and wife Georgina moved into the bungalow after the stairs in their previous home became unmanageable for her.

The location of the couple's new property means they can retain their close ties with daughter Sarah, who also lives in the village, and granddaughter Sophia, who has moved into the house next door.

Mr Sankey said: "My wife and I are so happy with our new home and glad we were able to stay in the village. We know most of the people here and there is a great community spirit. I've no doubt our first Christmas in the bungalow will be very special."

Plans for the new homes were drawn up after Hannington Parish Council identified a shortage of affordable housing within the village, following the completion of a parish plan. Parish councillors worked with NRHA to come up with a housing solution that would be in-keeping with the rural surroundings.

Mr Sankey added: "It's important that a village contains homes that are available for young people to keep the community alive. It is also good that residents are encouraged to stay in the village and do not have to move away. A lot of properties that come up for sale are out of reach financially for many local people so this new development is very welcome."

The homes, five for affordable rent and one available through shared ownership, have all been built to level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and feature energy-saving heating systems to reduce fuel consumption, carbon footprint and residents' energy bills.

Innovative features include air source heat pumps, underfloor heating on the ground floor and thermostats in every room to control temperature.

NRHA chairman, David Coren, said: "These new homes mean more local people will be able to stay in the village in which they grew up, rather than being forced to move elsewhere because of excessive property prices. I wish all the new residents a merry Christmas and happy new year."