YOU could not blame Catherine Wallington and Catherine Cooper for worshipping their home.

For the two teenagers are among the first residents in a unique Eastleigh housing development.

These "apartments with a pew" are answering the prayers of those who have been knocking on the door for an affordable home.

For the conversion of the former Church of the Resurrection into flats has been heaven-sent for those who have been squeezed out by the area's rocketing property prices and sky-high rents.

Nearly 20 years after a fire swept through the former parish church the town centre landmark has sprung back to life with a new role in the community.

A £2.5m rebuilding programme, masterminded by Eastleigh Housing Association, has transformed the Grade II-listed building into 25 apartments.

Twenty of these are available for key workers and the remaining five apartments are being let to those on the Eastleigh Homechoice register.

The two Catherines, both 19, who were pals at Chandler's Ford's Toynbee School, could say that they are living "up in the Gods".

For their two-bedroom flat is built into what was once the church roof and boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of Eastleigh and the area for miles around.

Until now, Catherine Wallington, a healthcare assistant at Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital, and her flatmate, an administrator, could not afford to move away from home.

The key worker housing initiative has paved the way for young people like them to set up home on their own.

Between them they pay a manageable monthly rent of £487.

The girls think it is quite cool living in what was once a church.

Catherine Wallington said: "When we tell our friends that we are living in a church they think it is really weird and ask if we have seen any ghosts !"

They are delighted with their designer-style flat and Catherine Cooper said:

"We are right in the middle of Eastleigh and it is very convenient for public transport."