A new housing development for the ‘active retired’ has been officially opened in Budleigh.

TV star Jennie Bond was on hand to plant a tree, marking the completion of The Gardens – an eight-home development in the grounds of the historic Park House in Park Lane, designed for couples or individuals over the age of 55.

The journalist and presenter, who lives in Devon, and appeared on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here after retiring from a distinguished career as the BBC’s royal correspondent, told guests the secret to growing older was to ‘stay active’.

The Gardens is the third development in Budleigh by Exeter-based Blue Cedar Homes, which says the new site offers easy access to the town centre and beach.