After nine weeks in temporary accommodation, the first families left homeless when a water pipe burst in Oxford have been able to return home.

It was an emotional return to Normandy Crescent, Cowley, for Ab Lenton, partner Paul Gunby and their daughter Chantelle, who has cerebral palsy - one of two families given the keys to their refurbished homes yesterday.

And the family, who have been in limbo since the mains burst on January 25, will have an extra cause to celebrate as Chantelle will turn 14 on Sunday and it is her mum's 37th birthday on Monday.

Miss Lenton said: "This has probably been the most stressful time of our life, it's been just dreadful.

"Having to take out everything we needed, having to move twice, not to mention spending eight or nine days in a hotel, it's caused us so much stress. But it's brilliant to be back."

The family live in accommodation owned by Oxford City Council and have praised the authority for its quick work drying out, repairing and refurbishing the flats and houses.

Their house had to have most of the downstairs walls replastered, a new kitchen, new wallpaper, new flooring and the electricity rewired. New furniture and appliances have also been bought.

Miss Lenton said: "We're lucky to be back but I can still understand how everyone else feels because they feel how we felt.

"I just wish we were all back together but it's got to be done in bits because there is just so much to do."

She said the refurbishment had been carried out after discussion with the family and she was delighted with how her home looked.

She said: "It's a big deal particularly for Chantelle. Because she has cerebral palsy, routine and things being stable are really important to her. While she did cope really well, it's going to make a big difference now she's home."

The house is specially adapted for Chantelle, with wooden floors, wider doors, a stairlift and rails.

Miss Lenton said: "The place in Hundred Acre's Close, Cowley, has been okay but it just wasn't home and you couldn't relax there.

"To be honest I thought it would be longer before we would be able to go home and if they had told me when it happened it would only be nine weeks I could have lived with that."

Chantelle said she was really happy to be back.

She said: "If you think back to how it was before, you see how different it is. I'm really pleased."

Twenty-four families were left homeless after the water pipe burst.

Four more households have been told when they can return while the remaining properties, eight of which are privately owned, are still waiting to find out.