THE smile on the face of little Holly Dobell said it all when the keys to the first special unit at Eastleigh's giant Pirelli housing development were officially handed over.

For Holly, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was just so excited about her new home.

System specialist Jon Dobell, 28, his wife Rebecca, 36, and their two daughters Holly and five-month-old Katie have been Swaythling Housing Society tenants for five years.

Until yesterday they lived in a two-bedroom home at Hedge End. But they now have a new house which has been specially adapted for Holly.

"There were no special facilities in our previous home and this will make a lot of difference to Holly and to us. Holly is very happy," said Mr Dobell.

Mrs Dobell added: "The house is really lovely. With a ground-floor bedroom and shower, it will give Holly her independence and the space she needs to move around the house on her own."

Swaything Housing Society's chief executive Lindsay Todd and Eastleigh Council's Cabinet member for social policy Ann Winstanley were on hand to present the keys and a bouquet of flowers.

Mr Todd said: "We've been able to meet the Dobells' exact requirements with this very special unit. The adaptations mean that Holly will be able to help her mum in the kitchen and do simple things that we take for granted like getting in and out of the house or going into the garden.

"We are pleased that we have been able to find them suitable accommodation and hope the Dobells will be very happy here."

Councillor Winstanley said: "Redevelopment of this site has been an important strategic aim of the council for several years.

"We can see today that its successful redevelopment is not only contributing to the urban renaissance of Eastleigh but is also meeting a wide range of housing needs in the borough."

When complete, the Pirelli site will have about 615 new houses, of which 124 will be affordable homes.

Swaythling Housing Society is currently developing the first 39 affordable units for rent and shared ownership.