Support from a housing charity has made the dream of home ownership come true for vulnerable people in Dawlish.

Last month 30-year-old Vicky Price, who has a moderate learning disability, moved into her dream home after years of struggling to settle in residential housing and living at home with her parents.

Her move was made possible after teaming up with the charity Advance

Vicky's mum Christine said: 'We are so grateful and relieved, Vicky now has a home of her own that no one can take away from her, it's almost too good to be true.

'We had been so worried about Vicky's future as there are no other relatives to help support her in the long term and residential placements just haven't worked out for her, so there was really no alternative, then we heard about Advance.'

Advance was able to help the family find the funds to buy the house through its shared ownership scheme, SOLD.

'Once a family has identified a property we take them by the hand and lead them through the whole process, supporting clients every step of the way, from getting grant aid and filling out benefit forms to surveying and buying the house they choose,' said Martin Hampshire, of the charity.

Peter and Gail Keenan's 25-year-old son Nathan changed beyond all recognition since he moved into his own home in Dawlish two years ago.

'He's so much more independent and capable, he can cook and clean for himself, he is just amazing' said mum Gail.

'He has a wonderful life now, having his own home is such a big thing for Nathan. He has long term stability and security which gives us great peace of mind.'

Advance wants to expand the number of families it can help in the area.

Log on to www@advanceuk. org or call 01933 709221.