A dream has come true for a group of adults with learning difficulties as they finally moved into their new home.

Delighted residents including Raymond Bezzina (pictured) and Sally Piercy unpacked their bags in their new bedrooms in Firs Court, in Hook, on Tuesday afternoon after three years of community fundraising backed by the Kingston Guardian.

More than £60,000 was raised by Kingston Guardian readers, the wider community and businesses, to help build the new Firs Court, which features hoists for baths, an elevator, wide-open rooms and more independent living.

The Fircroft building project is a remarkable turnaround for the group of adults, some of whom were born in an age when handicapped people were shunned, put in mental hospitals and forgotten.

Fircroft chief executive Kay Harris, who admitted to becoming emotional when she saw the residents get their sneak peak a fortnight ago, said: “It is absolutely extraordinary. This is such a dream for our residents.

“They have been together for such a long time and built such strong friendships. Now people can really stay together if they want to.”

Residents from three care homes spent the morning and lunchtime at Fircroft Trust’s day centre in Surbiton while their belongings were packed before being driven together to finally move in.

Chelsea fan Peter Privett, 59, moved into his home on Thursday. Fircroft trustee Susannah Horwood said: “The project used to be called the Privett project because his parents left a legacy to provide life-long care for Peter. We couldn’t do that but now we can.”

Peter, who moved to Maple Lodge after his parents died, said: "It is really homely. Everything is fantastic. When I lie down on my bed it is really comfortable. It is great having your own room.

Marie Gold, 73, said: "It is absolutely beautiful, all the lovely rooms.

I'm thrilled to bits. I really can't believe it.

Kingston Guardian editor David Rankin said: “Reporter David Lindsell and I were very moved by the plight of residents at Fircroft and about the passion and enthusiasm of all who worked there. It was a mountain to climb but a monumental effort has helped us all to this very happy day.”

To see the full story from the past three years visit kingstonguardian.co.uk/fircroftappeal