Fourteen new almshouses have been officially opened thanks to a shoemaker who bequeathed land to the people of Harefield more than three centuries ago.

Any financial hurdles, planning problems or local opposition experienced along the way, were consigned to the past, as the affordable homes in Burbery Close were officially unveiled and celebrated by the community on Thursday.

And it was all thanks to Solomon Burbery, a shoemaker who, in 1697, left his dairy farm and land to his two sisters ' for their lifetime, and then the people of Harefield for ever'.

Instead of providing more traditional almshouses for the elderly, family homes at affordable rents have been built on two acres of the 13-acre site, and residents chosen from the council's Locata Home selection process have already moved in.

A further six houses on the same site are being sold on 500-year leases to help repay the £1million mortgage. Also included in the project are a football pitch and Hayes ground being let on long leases to the local clubs.

MP Nick Hurd, Councillor David Routledge, Pauline Crawley who chairs Harefield Tenants and Residents' Association and ministers from the village's three main churches were there to show their support. They included the Reverend Andrew Gandon of St Mary's, who has been a trustee since 1995.

John Ross, also a trustee, gave a brief history of the Harefield Parochial Charities, which began in 1932, when the Charity Commission merged six ancient charities, including Mr Burbery's. All were for 'the relief of need in the ancient parish of Harefield'.

Perhaps the most lasting legacy from these, is the five acres of land left for the 'recreation of villagers', now familiar as the Green.

Mr Ross said: "Today is a great day and we are grateful to Solomon Burbery. This has transformed what the charity can do."

After Joyce Willis was presented with flowers and praised as 'the steady hand on the tiller' for her 34 years as a trustee, 20 years as chairwoman, Major General Anthony Leask from the Almshouse Association cut a red ribbon and declared them open.

He said: "Everyone in Harefield can be proud. They are very lucky to have these trustees, who are a great example to others of what can be done up and down the land, as they have shown fantastic perseverance.

"And of course we owe a great debt of gratitude to a shoemaker who lived here 300 years ago."