AN event to help foster closer community spirit has been held in Oakley.

Called Say Hi to Your Neighbour, it was organised by Affinity Housing for residents in Glamis Close, who were offered free pot plants and shrubs for their gardens, plus a free prize draw.

Affinity Housing employment and support officer Sajed Khan said: “We held the event to get the community engaging with each other.

“We have a mixture of elderly and young people living in Glamis Close, and we just wanted them to get to know each other.”

Pleased with the good turnout, Mr Khan, said: “A number of residents said they wanted more events like this in the future. We’re also trying to set up a residents association.”

During the day, Affinity Sutton was able to showcase some of its services, including back-to-work or training grants available through its Ready2 Work service as well Digital Inclusion and Financial Inclusion. Residents also learned of how they can become involved with improving services.

Affinity Housing has around 600 properties in the Basingstoke and Deane area.