FIRST-TIME buyers are given a helping hand on to the property ladder by Hillingdon Council, which has set aside £500,000 in grants.

So far, the scheme has handed out 162 grants since it launched in 2007.

The 150th first time buyer, Michelle Adams, was able to step on to the ladder with a friend, thanks to the scheme. “Without it, buying our first property would have been much harder,” she said.

The scheme is open to people who are employed and looking for a house in Hillingdon, up to a value of £210,000. They must have lived in the borough for at least 10 years.

More information can be found on www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ftbscheme