TEACHERS and nurses are being given the chance to benefit from a new housing development.

A block of 12 one-bedroom flats in Rosida Gardens, Hill Lane, was officially opened by Cllr Paul Russell, pictured right, Southampton City Council's housing supremo.

The flats are part of a government key worker living scheme that aims to provide affordable housing for its employees, particularly for those working in education and for the NHS.

Within the next two years the government plans to build more than 2,000 new homes across Hampshire in its bid to help more people climb the housing ladder.

Swaythling Housing Society representatives and Kevin Taylor from the office of the deputy prime minister attended the ceremony, which included a tour of the flats.

Cllr Russell, pictured, said: "The development is absolutely magical and looks fantastic. I believe many of the flats have already been taken."