house hunters have resorted to camping out to be certain they are first in the queue when cut-price properties go on sale next week.

The clutch of 60 former Army quarters in Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire do not go on the market for another week.

But prospective buyers are already queuing - pitching tents and parking caravans outside the Annington sales office to be sure of snapping up a bargain.

Half the homes will be sold to serving MoD personnel or those who have served with the armed forces in the past. The rest will go to the general public.

At the last count last night, there were 14 would-be customers camped at Somerset Close, where prices start just shy of £36,000.

"These properties are going to be slap bang in the middle of Europe's biggest garrison, with all the facilities which go with it," said Claire Dennis, who has been living in her caravan on the site since she sold her house in Catterick Village last week.

"They could be worth a lot more than they are selling for now in two or three years."

But, for others, it is a necessity, including mother-of-four, Pat Maiden, who has been living in a tent since May 11.

Her husband leaves the Army within the next few years, and the family will need somewhere to settle.

"A four-bedroomed house would be ideal and the prices here are hard to beat," she said.

The Happy Campers - as they are now calling themselves - have been passing the time reading, chatting and sunbathing, although Lorraine Dixon described their ordeal as similar to being in hospital.

"I've been reading a lot and, every so often, one of the family visits and brings you things you need," she said.

"But there's a great community spirit and at least we're getting to know our neighbours before we've even moved in."