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AN estate agent with an enviable reputation for being at the heart of community life in Wales has launched a competition encouraging primary school children to design their dream homes.

Roberts and Co is the leading estate agent in south-east Wales, and it is proud of the difference it makes in the communities it serves through its 12 offices.

Now, the company is aiming to raise awareness among young people about what’s involved in buying a first home – starting with primary school pupils.

Roberts and Co launched the competition to design and build a dream home and 18 primary schools have entered in a bid to win a first prize of £1,000 and a runners-up cheque for £500.

Civic dignitaries and local personalities, including Alexandra Hartley, of ITV News, will be taking part in the judging and prize-giving ceremony in the business suite at Rodney Parade on December 1.

Katie Darlow, manager at Roberts and Co, said: “So many first time buyers are not aware of simple things which will cause problems for them when applying for their first mortgage such as not being on the electoral roll.

“We, therefore, believe it’s important to raise awareness of what’s involved – starting at primary level.

“The competition is fun but it is also educational and we are delighted that so many schools are taking part."

Roberts and Co is extremely active in sponsoring a host of local school and community events, as well as children’s rugby and football teams.

South Wales Argus:

TEAMWORK: The junior football team in Abergavenny, sponsored by Roberts and Co

Another highlight was the way the company got behind “Roggiefest” - an event likened to a festival by Rogerstone Primary School. Roberts and Co provided boards to identify the various stalls, a large advertising board for the front of the school in the run up to the event, donated a £100 raffle prize, and attended the event to hand out balloons and stickers to the children.

South Wales Argus:

SUPPORTIVE: How Roberts and Co got behind Rogerstone Primary School

The company also provided approximately 50 boards for parents and PTA members to display in their gardens to advertise the Langstone Primary School summer fayre, leading to a greatly increased number of visitors.

The headmistress of Langstone Primary School, Beverly Cole, said: “On behalf of the teachers from Langstone Primary School we would like to thank Roberts and Co for their support throughout the year.

“From coming into classes and giving talks and resources for role-plays, to spending the summer fayre with us, exciting the children with stickers and balloons. They also have given the school a generous donation which has really helped us towards our new active fun.

“We are very appreciative of their time and generosity and also Katie Darlow’s friendly nature towards the children on the class visits.”

South Wales Argus:

SUPPORTIVE: How Roberts and Co got behind Rogerstone Primary School

Indeed, Roberts and Co experts are happy to go into schools and colleges, and other community groups, to give talks on buying your first home. Most recently, a talk was given to Usk Young Farmers, whose members range in age from 16-26. It was very well received and the group is recommending that others in the area also book the talk.

Roberts and Co’s chosen charity for the year is the children’s hospice Ty Hafan, with two dedicated members of staff - Lucy Phillips, in the Ebbw Vale branch, and Nicola Blake, from the Pontypool branch - raising money for this wonderful cause.

Lucy completed the Cardiff Half-Marathon and Nicola had her hair cut off to make wigs for children undergoing treatment.

“Not only do these wonderful acts show our commitment to our chosen charity but we believe cements the fact that we have such a dedicated team of staff who really are willing to go the extra mile in all aspects of the job,” said Katie.

To find out more about the estate agent that's simply streets ahead in Wales, click here