THE first families to move into a new housing development were welcomed with an afternoon of festive fun.

Construction work at Longniddry Village, south of the East Coast Main Line and the existing village, has been ongoing for more than a year.

Ahead of Christmas, the first families moved into the homes.

They joined together in celebrating the move by sharing some festive fizz and afternoon tea with their neighbours, while taking part in a wreath-making workshop with flowersmith Ruth Alder.

Allison Sutherland, Places for People’s regional sales and marketing director, said: “We are delighted to welcome the very first families as they settle into their new homes here at Longniddry Village.

“It was wonderful to host an afternoon of festive activities as our new neighbours greeted each other and made their very own Christmas wreaths to hang on their front doors, giving the development a real Christmas feel.

“Each family who has moved in has also been given a Christmas tree to adorn their new home.

“We were delighted to work with Caring Christmas Trees, who provide sustainably sourced trees from a local farm, with all proceeds going towards tackling the root causes of homelessness in the area.”

More than 450 homes are planned for the site, with three developers working on the first phase, while planning permission is already in place for a cafe and offices.