Two apprentices helped residents in the Shiregreen neighbourhood of Sheffield mark the official opening of their brand new homes.

The new Sicey Pavilion Apartments for the over-55s, built by the Sanctuary Group, with £1.2 million investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), were opened by Councillors Sioned-Mair Richards and Peter Rippon with the help of Connor Bamford and Matt Powell, who worked as apprentices on the scheme and are now employed by Sanctuary.

During the event residents and special guests were also treated to afternoon tea and new resident Gladys Stones helped to cut a specially made cake.

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The scheme, which cost £2.5 million in total, was part-funded by the HCA and was built by contractors Frank Haslam Milan, which also employed the seven apprentices on site.

Helen Wright, Sanctuary's Head of Development for the North, said: "Sicey Pavilion Apartments has been an important development for Shiregreen which has not only provided much-needed accommodation for Sheffield's over 55s, but has also given young people the chance to get involved in such a significant building project. These 24 new homes are already helping to provide a secure home for over 55s and has provided apprentices with vital skills to begin a career in the building trade."

All of the new homes have eco features such as solar panels and energy efficient heating and ventilation systems that are designed to keep bills lower for residents.

(CD/GK)