Homeless young adults are queuing up for the chance of a better life.

More than 100 people have applied to live at the Banbury Foyer since it opened in George Street last November.

It opens new horizons for down-and-out 16 to 25-year-olds. For some, it is the last chance of a meaningful life.

The scheme offers low-cost accommodation to young people willing to commit themselves to a programme of education and training.

The Foyer complex has 19 self-contained fully-equipped flats. Seventeen are currently occupied and 14 tenants are enrolled on college or work-related courses. There is a computer training suite and staff to help residents.

Six tenants have completed word processing courses, three have taken Internet access courses and four have done voluntary work at the Horton Hospital and Mary Anne's Pantry. Others have helped landscape Banbury Crematorium. Four residents have left to start work.

Tenant Jonathan Sherman, 23, said: "The Foyer is the perfect opportunity for someone of my situation to go back to school and not worry about rent or the cost of living."

There have been setbacks - three break-ins, two damaged flats, and thefts, but fewer problems than anticipated.

Some residents have been evicted because they refused to co-operate with training schedules.

Project manager David Gould said: "By offering a range of services we can halt the downward spiral and sow the seeds of a worthwhile future."