JONATHAN Smith is delighted with his new flat in a groundbreaking housing development specifically designed for tenants with autism and learning difficulties.

Ty Nant, in Newport, is believed to be the first scheme of its kind in Wales and will be home to six people.

Each of the flats incorporates technology to help the tenants with their particular needs to enable them to live as independently as possible.

They feature underfloor heating, wide corridors and areas where residents can socialise.

Ty Nant is the result of a partnership between the city council, the National Autistic Soc-iety and Newport-based housing and care provider Seren Group.

Chris Peach, regional director of NAS Cymru, said similar projects were successful in England but it was a wonderful opportunity for the organisation to set up a scheme of this kind in Wales.

"We're thrilled with Ty Nant and would like to thank all those involved.

"I'm sure our clients will take great pleasure in their new surroundings."

Amanda Davies, chief executive of the Seren Group, said it was a delight to work with their partners on the scheme and hoped the tenants would enjoy living in their new homes.

Liz House, head of adult and community care at Newport city council, added: "This first-class, high quality scheme is a real coup for Newport and will help and support individuals with autism who have so far not received the standard of support they require to live life independently."

Autism affects an estimated 26,500 people in Wales and the NAS is the UK's leading charity for people with the condition.

It champions the rights of people with autism and works to ensure they receive quality services appropriate to their needs.

Project management of the construction of Ty Nant was by Fairlake Properties, the property and development agency services arm of the Seren Group.