“IT’S the best Christmas present I have ever had.”

Those were the words of mum-of-one Clemencia Blackie, who has been handed the keys to one of Oxford’s first council houses in 20 years.

Her new two-bedroom home is one of the 38 built in Lambourne Road, Rose Hill, which were officially opened on Friday by Oxford East MP Andrew Smith and city councillors.

Mrs Blackie said it was a “dream come true” for her and 11-year-old son, Christopher. She said: “We are both over the moon.

“We were waiting on the housing register for about 18 months, and this really is the biggest and best Christmas present I’ve ever had.

“We had a one bedroom flat before so Christopher couldn’t have friends to stay over. Now he’s so excited that he will be able to do it whenever he wants.”

Five bungalows have been completed and families have already moved in, with the remainder expected to be ready within the next few weeks. The £5.8m development, which includes 16 three-bedroom houses and two five-bedroom houses as well as flats and bungalows, will be completed by March.

Mrs Blackie said: “I will keep this house as sparkling clean as it looks now. I’m so proud of it.

“It looks beautiful and it’s a really great development which I feel so lucky to be a part of.”

The homes have been installed with solar panels, and all have gardens and off-street parking.

They were advertised in the Choice Based Lettings newsletter where people could apply online, via the phone, by texting or visiting a council office.

Only people who had registered for a council property in the city were able to bid for them.

Mr Smith said the homes are a “step in the right direction” in helping the city’s housing crisis.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be opening these much needed new council homes. I know only too well from my advice surgeries and calling round just how many local people are desperate for quality housing.

“I wish the new tenants a very happy Christmas in their new homes.

“The completion of these houses will also be a welcome step in the regeneration of Rose Hill.”

The homes have been built by Lovell with financial support from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Oxford City Council board member for housing Joe McManners added: “This is a brilliant development for both Oxford and Rose Hill. They are really good houses, the type which are desperately needed in the city.”

Meanwhile, the Cardinal House development in Littlemore, which will provide 20 one-bedroom sheltered housing flats and the refurbishment of 33 others, will also be completed in March.