By SARAH HARKER

RYFIELDS retirement village is off to a flying start with more than 30 couples securing their new homes before the building process has even got under way.

The unique village, due to be completed by 2002, offers pensioners a mix of rent, purchase and part-purchase packages so that the village is affordable for all.

In total, 70 of the 243 homes will be available for sale, making the village the first of its kind.

John Payne, partnerships director of the Extracare Charitable Trust, said: "Most of the flats and bungalows will be rented in the traditional way but we have always wanted to pioneer sales because it is what elderly people want.

"It enables homeowners to shelter their equity. Age Concern tell us that this is the hottest topic on their helpline when elderly people call in."

The village will cater for approximately 300 of Warrington's older generation, giving them a unique opportunity to reside in a self-governing environment.Facilities at the village will include a pub, shop, fitness centre including sauna and multi-gym as well as regular craft workshops.

John Payne said: "Some of the purchasers are being helped through our shared-equity scheme and others will receive financial support with the service charge, so the village really is affordable for all.

"Warrington is a real innovation as offering homes for sales had never been tried before. Now we have 36 deposits paid before even a spade has been put into the turf. To say we are thrilled is an understatement."