Christine Willoughby, director of the volunteer-run organisation, said she hoped it would be the first of many properties available to buy and rent at affordable prices in Knaresborough.

“If we can get people from our local community to give us volunteer hours and get local tradespeople to come and work with us at affordable prices, that would be a really great opportunity for Knaresborough, so people would come forward and say we want to help. People live in our beautiful town.”

Once the refurbishment is complete, a panel of members will decide which family will receive the £800 monthly rent.