RURAL villages had a visit from a 'birthday bus' showcasing how communities have benefited from new affordable homes.

The Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing (HARAH) took its 10th Birthday Bus Tour around north Hampshire to give people a chance to see first-hand how affordable housing in rural villages can look, and be an asset to the community.

Hart District councillor Stephen Parker welcomed tour guests, and said: "We are celebrating just some of the successes HARAH has achieved in north Hampshire.

"Being a predominantly rural district, ensuring there is a supply of rural affordable housing for people wishing to remain in the village where they were brought up is really important."

The first stop on the tour was at a scheme of nine rented houses in Eversley, completed in March, and allocated to households in need and with a strong local connection.

The development was carefully shaped in partnership with Eversley Parish Council.

Eversley Parish Councillor Philip Todd said: "Eversley has a tradition of helping people in the community. As far back as 1804 the Robert brothers rented out a field with the proceeds distributed by the church to help the poor."

Eversley resident Sam Pepper and her family received the keys to their new HARAH home in March.

She said: "It means everything to me and my children as my parents live here in Eversley, as did my grandparents before them. My children go to the local school and play for Eversley Cricket Club and I work locally in the Golden Pot."

She added: "Being here means I will be able to look after my parents as they get older, just as they help look after the children in the school holidays now."

The second stop was Preston Candover where six houses and four flats were completed in 2009.

Resident Jo Hunt, who grew up in the village, said: "There were objections from some people in the community at first, but since everyone has moved in they have realised that we are just like them - the only difference is that we can't purchase a home in our local community."

Four flats and six houses were built in 2011 at the third stop in Upton Grey.

The final stop was South Warnborough, where eight cottages were completed in 2007.

The new homes enabled Simon Turner to move back to the community he loved.

He said: "The only people who can afford to settle here now are people commuting into London every day.

"Schemes like this, housing association rented or part buy part rent, give people who have grown up in the village a chance to live where their roots are."

Former Hart District Councillor Sarah Wallis, who was a firm supporter of the scheme from the outset, said: "We need a mix of ages and income groups in our communities as we do not want to lose the special atmosphere of our villages."