This picture, taken in May 2008, shows renowned environmentalist David Bellamy doing the honours at the official opening of the 'eco-terrace homes' in Chesterton. Six properties were remodelled in summer 2008 to create some of the most eco-friendly homes in the country, in a partnership between Newcastle Borough Council, Staffordshire Housing Association and RENEW North Staffordshire. The aim of the project was to prove that pre-1919 terrace properties, which are usually the least energy efficient, can be converted to meet modern eco-standards. The houses, in Booth Street, Victoria Street and London Road, feature high efficiency gas boilers, but passive heating provided by glazed sun-spaces and solar panels could mean radiators are not used for long periods. Ecologically-friendly bamboo flooring and kitchen worktops, rainwater harvesting, low-energy lighting, recycled building materials and fabric insulation are also used throughout the properties.