A PENSIONER camped out in the cold for 21 hours to make sure she was first in line for a new Kendal housing development.

Jean Heseltine, 60, waited all night for the moment when properties on ‘The Beeches’ development were released to customers at a launch event.

Work started on the site, on Natland Road, this summer and the first homes will be built and occupied in spring 2015.

MORE TOP STORIES: Jean, a retired teacher, said: “I have been looking for a new home for more than 18 months and it was disheartening to look at second hand homes and realise that they needed so much work.

“It’s great that this has arrived in Kendal as the town lacked development and choice.

“With my children living in London and Leeds, Kendal is ideally placed to reach them quickly by road and train.”

Jean was first in a queue of more than 50 people outside the Castle Green Hotel and put down a reservation on her new ‘Warwick’ home, making her Story Homes’ first buyer in South Lakeland.

Jean, who is originally from Cockermouth, said: “I have followed the development right through the planning process, ringing the office to find out more and then following news on the Story Homes website.

“After hearing how popular other launch events have been I knew I would have to get in quickly to get the plot and house type I wanted.

“I’m pleased I did camp outside overnight as a long queue of customers had formed before the doors opened.”

The Beeches will have 76 homes in total, including detached, semi-detached and terraced properties, which will be finished with a mix of limestone and render ‘in keeping with the local area’.

A second event will be held on September 24.