An event in Wantage Civic Hall offering first-time homebuyers advice on how to get on the property ladder attracted more than 250 people.

The day was organised by the Vale of White Horse District Council’s housing team and aimed to raise awareness of the low cost home ownership schemes available to help people who cannot afford to buy a home in the free market.

Housing officer and organiser Helen Novelle said: “Many of the people who attended last week were really surprised to find out that these schemes were a viable option for them and we were able to provide them with all the information they need to get started on that route.”

There are two types of low cost schemes in the Vale – a part-rent/part-buy option from Housing Associations, and a Government-funded MyChoice Homebuy scheme which offers equity loans.