A PENSIONER who has spent weeks sofa surfing in Whitchurch has spoken of her relief after finding a new home.

Jennie Taupin will be moving to a new home in Uttoxeter in Staffordshire on Saturday, April 29 after having been without one after she was forced to leave her previous one in Gnosall, where she lived for six and a half years after her landlord sold up.

The retired secretary spoke about how relieved she was to be finally moving into a new place after being without a home since February this year.

Jennie, who is 74, said: "I am over the moon and completely relieved.

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"It is in a very nice location and I have been very lucky.

"It has the requirements I needed, including two bedrooms and a garden.

"I have got somewhere to put my plant pots."

Jennie paid tribute to her friends in Whitchurch for providing her with somewhere to stay while she looked for a new home.

She added: "I thoroughly enjoyed staying with my friends and enjoyed the company because normally I live on my own.

"I cannot thank them enough. I don't know what I would have done had I not been able to stay in their place.

"They were thrilled on my behalf as they know how much I want to get back, get all my furniture back and get back to my own home and garden."

"Luckily I have got the two bedrooms," she said.

"I will be able to set up my sewing machines again and get cracking with that."

Jennie was also thankful for the help given to her by estate agents in the town. 

Jennie said: "I am looking forward to being in a new community again.

"The landlord says it is a very community-orientated area where I will be moving to. Where I am going to be is in a long row of terrace houses.

"I do know people there are mainly in my age group and I met the lady next door.

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Jennie said she had enjoyed plenty of positive experiences while spending time in Whitchurch.

She said: "I have actually joined some groups in the town.

"I have been to WI meetings and met some really nice ladies.

"They have all made me very welcome and it helped enormously.

"I have been out for meals with them as well and I have really enjoyed it."