A LEVENS villager camped out overnight to be first in the queue for a new-build home.

Anne Jago, 72, wanted to secure a four-bedroom detached house at the Greengate Meadow development in Levens, said house builder Story Homes.

She was among nearly 100 people who attended the launch at Kendal's Castle Green Hotel, which saw two homes reserved.

Anne has lived in Levens for more than 10 years and wanted to stay in the village. She said: "I had to be first in the queue as I knew exactly which plot I wanted to put my name against. I turned up at 1.30am and the hotel really looked after me during the night.

"I had already looked at the development during the planning process and kept my eye on the website to track where it was up to.

"I knew that I wanted the Grantham house type as it was in the right location on the development. I am thrilled that I was able to secure this, even if it is later into the development."

Anne added: "I want to stay in the village as there is a thriving community and everyone really does look after each other – there is so much going on in Levens and it has great access to Kendal and the railway network."

Story Homes said it was pleased to welcome so many prospective buyers to the invite-only launch. Greengate Meadow, just off Greengate Crescent at Levens, is to feature eight house types, including two, three, four and five-bedroom dwellings, with

AEG integrated appliances, bi-fold doors, turfed rear gardens, and bathrooms with fitted vanity units and Porcelanosa tiles.

Story Homes sales manager Clare Wilson said: "We are delighted with the launch event and for someone to camp out from the early hours shows how popular Greengate Meadow is.

“It was fantastic to secure two reservations at the event and to have five families already show interest in the homes which haven’t been released yet. It really shows how popular this development is."

The marketing suite for Greengate Meadow is based at Ash Tree Park in Kendal and is open Thursdays to Mondays, 10.30am-5.30pm.