THE heart of Bicester eco town's heating system was officially opened by Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom on Monday.

The MP visited the 6,000-home development for a tour of the energy centre, which sits among the houses and will provide heating and hot water for residents.

It comes as the first few residents have moved into the first 91 homes to be built on the NW Bicester site off Charlotte Avenue.

Ms Leadsom said: "I think what the eco town is doing is really impressive and is leading the way for how building will be in the future.

"It is great for homebuyers to have the choice to live in a green and eco-friendly home if they want to.

"Our government is trying to do everything we can to improve the energy efficiency of homes and the eco town is a great example of what you can do.

"Bicester is a fantastic town."

The MP for South Northamptonshire, joined by North Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis and leader of Cherwell District Council Barry Wood, was taken through the streets of the first few homes to be completed.

The energy centre contains a generator and acts as an alternative to a boiler in every house. Heating and hot water will be generated and supplied to every home via network of pipes and is able to supply up to 1,200 homes.