Residents of some of the greenest homes ever built in Wirral will save £250 a year it has been revealed.

And Christmas came early for the 12 householders in Cornfield Close, Woodchurch when mayor Gerry Ellis handed out special gifts to them to celebrate completion of the venture.

Local children from Woodchurch will also savour some early Christmas sparkle when Santa Claus distributes presents as part of the celebration.

The Wirral Partnership Homes affordable homes project will feature thermal panels and high levels of insulation to keep heating costs down.

Steve Eaves, WPH’s assistant director for planning, said an analysis of the first phase of the scheme indicated that tenants would save around £250 a year in heating bills compared with traditional homes.

Other features of the cul-de-sac properties include low flush toilets, low flow showers, shallower baths and “aerated” taps – all designed to consume less energy.

The £1m scheme replaces a block of empty shops, maisonettes and a disused scout hut. The site was cleared about five years ago and the first phase of the project was completed in 2009.

All the new homes are now occupied.

Woodchurch schoolboy Michael Ross, who won a competition to name the new road, will be a special guest when Cllr Ellis launches the scheme along with representatives from partner agencies.

Woodchurch CE Aided Primary School scholars will add a musical notes by singing carols and Wallasey Rotary and Lions Clubs will provide a musical Santa sleigh for Father Christmas to ride on.

Councillor Ellis commented: “It is wonderful to see affordable new homes being built.”

Contractors for the development were Manchester-based Wates Living Space; architects were Ainsley Gommon from Birkenhead and Savills from Liverpool were the quantity surveyors.