Dozens of rough sleepers will spend Christmas inside modular homes in Reading.

A site containing 40 temporary homes opened in Caversham Road last Monday (November 22) and ten people have already moved in.

One of them was Jamie, 35, who lived on and off the streets for 20 years in London and Reading.

“I’m like a kid at Christmas. This is the start of my life, welcome to paradise,” said Jamie.

He said: “My first night was lovely; I have heating I can control, a proper bed, a fridge.

“This is a dream for all homeless people.

“It was a weird feeling being inside after so long sleeping outside. Every Borough should have a project like this.”

Read more: Why the council is installing temporary homes for rough sleepers without planning permission

Between April and June 2021, 202 people were assessed as living without a home in Reading, according to government statistics.

This means Reading Borough Council’s £2m scheme will rehouse around 20 per cent of them.

Homeless charity St Mungo’s provide on-site staff and case workers are available 24/7 to provide support for residents.

Regional head at St Mungo’s Matt Rudd said: “We are very excited to launch this project. The site is looking really nice and will be a community for people to get back on their feet.”

Read more: Man turns Woodley garden into Christmas wonderland

Each modular home is equipped with a new kettle, microwave, toaster, tv, crockery and bedding and all have their own private bathrooms.

Councillor for housing Ellie Emberson said: “This is an innovative way to tackle homelessness with new residents already sharing positive comments about the opportunity this presents them by getting off the street”.

The project was funded through money awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.