A housing association has partnered with a council and homelessness charity to provide safe accommodation for women fleeing domestic abuse.

Social landlord Samphire Homes has leased three two-bedroom flats in Breckland to the district council as a place where women can live safely.

The flats have been furnished by the charity Hopestead, which, along with Samphire, is part of Flagship Group.

Helen Marjoram, Samphire's head of housing, said: “We’ve seen there is a need for this kind of safe accommodation through the domestic abuse service that we offer.

"The council has been fantastic throughout, and together we’ve been able to respond to an acute need in the community.”

Hopestead's head of operations, Lucy Parish, said: "We're proud to play a part in creating a safe and welcoming space for women and children during such a critical time in their lives.

“By providing essential furnishings and comforts, we hope to offer them not just a place to live, but a place where they can begin to rebuild with dignity and hope for the future."

Breckland Council also expressed its commitment to supporting vulnerable community members.