VILLAGERS in west Dorset have built five new homes for local families thanks to the legacy of a selfless woman.

Former solicitor Vanora Hereward became so concerned for the future of Toller Porcorum after local facilities closed that she gifted the community an undeveloped plot next to her home in the hope of using it to revitalise the area.

She then helped set up a community trust to launch a bid to develop it.

Planning permission for five lowcost houses and a new Post Office was secured but Miss Hereward sadly died aged 64 before the first brick could be laid.

The Toller Porcorum Community Land Trust, made up of villagers, carried on the work and ensured the homes were built, working with housing group Aster Homes which built the properties and now lets them out at a subsidised rent.

Hereward Close is now home to locals who were struggling to afford hugely inflated rents in an area where the average house price is £330,000.

The close includes a new Post Office and store with a one bed flat above.

Locals say the development has breathed new life into the village that has a population of 307, and has stopped young people and families from moving out of the area.

Barry Rutherford, the treasurer of the trust, said: “The housing project was Vanora’s notion. We lost our Post Office and shop some time ago and the pub closed and was turned into housing.

“It is almost impossible for young people on average earnings to get into the property market in this area.

“People of retirement age and second homeowners can afford to pay the prices and that has helped keep them at the rate they are. The village was in danger of becoming one big old age pensioners’ home.”

Karl Hine, of Aster Homes, said: “The project wouldn’t have succeeded without Vanora’s gift”.