A new leasing scheme set up by Westlea Housing Association will provide new temporary homes for the homeless and provide an alternative to bed and breakfast accommodation.

Teenage mum Toni Atkins is the first person to benefit from the new project run in partnership with North Wiltshire District Council, to help those in urgent need of a home.

Through its Housing Association Leasing Scheme (HAL) Westlea leases properties in the district from private property owners and uses these to provide temporary accommodation for homeless families and individuals.

Ms Atkins, 18, has recently moved in to a flat that Westlea is leasing in Allington Way, Chippenham.

Previously, she was staying with her parents in Wootton Bassett but the birth of her daughter Cerys last year meant the home had become overcrowded.

Ms Atkins was classed as homeless by the district council and the new leasing scheme has meant she and her daughter have a temporary home while waiting for permanent accommodation to become available.

"It's really good to have somewhere with more room for me and Cerys, as we were so cramped at my parents' house it was difficult for everyone," said Ms Atkins.

"I would like to be back in Wootton Bassett or Lyneham eventually but this flat is great for now."

Westlea's head of Neighbourhood Services Jon Smith said: "Many will have heard reports of councils across the country having to use bed and breakfast accommodation to house homeless people. Westlea is pleased to have developed this scheme with the district council, which will mean this happens less often here in north Wiltshire."