A Cornish builder is to give away his three latest new-build homes as prizes of a phone-in competition after becoming disillusioned with local estate agents.

After spending around a year constructing the three detached properties in the village of Hartley Witney, near to Bude, Trevor Perry attempted to sell them through several local estate agency firms.

However, he soon became tired of the lack of interest being generated by the agents, claiming that the high fees they were charging were putting off many prospective buyers.

"Everyone knows how difficult it is for young couples and individuals to get on the property ladder, so how wonderful would it be to offer those people the chance to win a home of their own," Mr Perry told the Camberley News.

"Clearly, my competition is open to anyone, but it would be really superb if first-time buyers were to win."

In theory, a first-time buyer could get a new home for as little as £1, though people are able to phone the competition line as many times as they wish and could even claim all three properties.