A BANBURY housing development built with the help of young apprentices has been named after the late life coach who mentored them.

The Donaldson Court development of 10 one-bedroom maisonettes is named after Connexions worker Julie Donaldson.

She was a life coach for the Miller Road, Bretch Hill project and died following a short illness in December.

She was in her fifties.

Banbury MP Tony Baldry, who opened the development on Friday said: “It was Julie who got the youngsters motivated.

“She was very much respected. Everybody felt it was be appropriate the project was named after her.”

The £1.2m affordable homes project is aimed at young people and provided training for 20 aged 16 to 25.

Work started in December 2010 and was completed with the support of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College.

It is a partnership between housing provider Sanctuary Group, Southwark Habitat for Humanity, Cherwell District Council, Connexions and the college.

The unemployed have been given a further boost with the launching of The Foundation Learning Centre on Friday.

Call 01295 276190 for details.