ONE of the first couples to move into a residential development have been given a house-warming present.

Lawrence and Johanna Close moved into one of Tees Valley Housing Group's new homes at Allensway in Thornaby yesterday.

Stockton MP Dari Taylor was on hand to welcome the couple to their home and to present them with a painting of the Five Lamps, one of the town's most famous landmarks.

Mr Close said: "We love pictures so this gift will take pride of place in our new home.

"The bungalow is ideal for us, and I am delighted that we have been able to find somewhere in Thornaby.

"We are celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary next month and it will be the first in our new home, so we are looking forward to it a great deal.

Mr and Mrs Close will soon be joined by other residents at the £2.2m housing scheme.

There are 18 houses and 22 bungalows on the estate, which was funded by a Housing Corporation grant and the Tees Valley Housing Group