The first residents of new £15 million homes development have moved in just in time for Christmas.

Kristoff and Magda Grabowska are the first tenants to move into a newly refurbished family home in Woodnook in Accrington.

The couple, who hail from Poland and have lived in Accrington for more than five years, moved into a property on Nuttall Street on a six-month assured shorthold tenancy agreement.

They are the first family to occupy what will be 131 family homes being created by PlaceFirst and joint venture partner Together Housing Group .

Dilapidated empty terraced properties are being transformed into energy efficient two, three and four-bed family homes.

Mr and Mrs Grabowska, who have three children, said they chose the property because of its spaciousness and were attracted to Woodnook because of the regeneration and convenient location.

The family were welcomed into their new home by Yvonne Hinds, neighbourhood coordinator for Woodnook, and Rachael Bryenton, leasehold officer at Together Housing Group along with a £50 welcome hamper.

Ten properties around Woodnook have now been fully refurbished, including one, two, and three bedroom homes.

PlaceFirst said four properties are already let with ‘strong interest’ on the remaining six.

The next release of homes is due in February 2015 and more than 150 registrations of interest and a number of applications have already been received.

Martin Ellerby, head of new business and innovation at PlaceFirst, said: “This is a landmark moment for PlaceFirst and Together Housing Group as we welcome our first customers to Woodnook. Over the next 12 months or so we will see continued regeneration right across this community and the future is looking bright for 2015.

“We wish Kristoff, Magda and their young family many happy times in their new home.”

The Woodnook regeneration scheme also includes a property facelift project on Nuttal Street to create an ‘attractive gateway’ into the area and boost local shops and businesses.

Earlier this month Hyndburn Council approved further facelift projects in the area and expect their completion in 2015. Kevin Ruth, Together Housing Group deputy chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to see the first tenants move into this new development.

“This development is as much about people as it is about the regeneration of the area. “We hope Kristoff, Magda and their children enjoy their first Christmas in their new home.”