FATHER Christmas paid an early visit to Malvern to boost the local housing market and open the show flat at the new Prospect Close development, just off Pickersleigh Road.

Prospect Close is the newest housing development in the town and will bring 50 two- bedroom apartments available for local people. The new properties will provide a mixture of tenures including New Build Homebuy (formerly shared ownership) and affordable rent.

Karen Laydon, sales and marketing officer at Festival Housing Group said: “It is fantastic that Father Christmas was the first to see the show flat.

“With prices starting as low as £50,000 for a 40 per cent share this really is the time to buy. Prospect Close brings much needed affordable accommodation to Malvern.”

The apartments, which will be ready for occupation in January, will feature UPVC windows, solar panels, energy efficient gas central heating, a fully fitted kitchen and allocated parking.