“IT'S like a fairytale to us.” That was the reaction of new dad Sean Gyte after he moved with his partner Beth and one-month-old baby Aiden into a new affordable home development near York.

The York Housing Association's £2.2 million Poppleton Gate scheme, which consists of 14 flats and five town houses, replaces outdated and mostly single person accommodation in line with an association commitment to provide more affordable rented family accommodation.

Sean, 27, said that six months ago, he and Beth, 20, were living in homeless accommodation in Ordnance Lane, expecting a baby and worrying about the future.

“Now we are settled in a lovely home, are engaged to be married and have a lovely baby,” said Sean, who has recently started work at Acomb Blockbuster. “All we have to do is get the carpets and curtains!”

Another new resident is Amanda Wheeler, who has moved to Poppleton Gate with her daughter Shannon, 14, and her son, Joe, 13 following a family break-up.

“We had been living at my mum's house since January and Joe and Shannon had to share the front room,” said Amanda. “Now, they can have their own room, which is great for them growing up.”

“I feel so lucky to have my own home again. The kitchen is modern, with enough room for a dining table and there is lots of storage throughout the house.”

The association said the accommodation had been designed and built to the highest standards.

“We are delighted that we can offer a home and a new start to families in need of accommodation,” said Chief Executive Christine Storrs. “Our aim has been to replace outdated accommodation with attractive homes that are tailor-made for families.”

The Government's Homes and Communities Agency provided £1 million from the 2008-11 National Affordable Housing Programme towards the cost of the scheme.