HOUSE hunters hoping to snap up a home on a new development in Helmshore will have to be quick after the entire first phase was sold within 72 hours of release.

Developers Hargreaves Homes, which is based in Bolton, said it was one of their fastest ever selling estates -- with every plot reserved before a brick has even been laid.

The development, opposite the Holden Vale Conference Centre, will eventually include 55 houses, with 22 homes in the first phase. The second phase work set to start later in the year.

Sales Assistant Caroline Yeo said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response to the houses. It is definitely one of our fastest selling developments. We are currently working on one in Darwen which is also doing well, although they didn't go quite as fast as the Helmshore houses.

"The houses went on sale on Friday and by Sunday evening all of the first phase plots were reserved and now most of the second phase have early bird reservations even though the prices haven't been confirmed."

The smaller of the two bedroom apartments are on sale at £87,995 with the larger ones at £89,995 and the four bedroom detached properties are on the market at £185,000. Anybody interested in the second phase development should contact Hargreaves Homes on 01204 380111.