Young people have been provided with a stepping stone to independent living with the opening of a new housing project.

Martyn Willis, managing director of Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd, officially opened Hove YMCA's Chris Batten House, in Bedford Square, Brighton, yesterday.

Mr Willis discussed the pressures of finding a home, especially for young people, in a high-demand area with booming property prices.

The project named The House comprises nine self-contained flats for young people aged between 16 and 25 who have lived in other centres but are not yet ready to live on their own.

Two key workers provide help in training and gaining employment, but there is a greater degree of freedom, with residents taking on more responsibility such as paying their own bills.

Mr Willis said: "The fantastic work being done by Hove YMCA provides an invaluable start for future generations and I'm confident this latest scheme in Bedford Square will provide as much benefit as the others."

Hove YMCA's chief executive David Standing also took the opportunity to thank The Argus Appeal, which raised money for the organisation to buy a new minibus.

Housing manager Stevie Graves said Chris Batten House had already proven a success since opening last December.

She said: "These flats are for those who have already lived and worked within our support housing but not yet ready for the real thing."

Project team leader Ruth Robertson said all nine tenants had either found work or were in training.

She said: "Having a stable place to stay has helped them and it's been really positive for everyone."

Tenant Marnie Perry, 19, who was homeless three years ago, said she would have been sleeping on friends' and relatives' floor again if it had not been for this opportunity.

Ms Perry is due to start work experience in sales through a scheme designed to get homeless people into employment.

She said: "I just want to earn enough of a living so I'm not homeless again."

The House underwent a £500,000 refurbishment and is funded by Hove YMCA, New Downland Housing Association and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Chris Batten, who oversaw the opening of Hove YMCA's first housing centre at Lansworth House as chairman of its housing committee nearly ten years ago, said he was "very chuffed and honoured" to have the house named after him.