First-time buyers will get help buying a home in a new initiative.

Under the Elmbridge Homeownership Assistance Scheme, run by Catalyst Housing Group and Elmbridge Council, applicants could get access to a low-interest loan of up to £70,000.

It is open to people who live or work in Elmbridge and buyers can select a property of their own choice from estate agents or property websites.

Councillor James Browne, cabinet member for housing at Elmbridge Council, said: “This is a genuinely innovative and exciting scheme designed to address one of the fundamental housing problems which this area faces - the fact that high property prices make it very difficult for people to take their first step onto the property ladder.”

For more information, contact Catalyst Housing Group on 0845 6017729 or equityloans@chg.org.uk.