Brent Housing Partnership's first ever Open House (16th) went off with a bang and gave residents the opportunity to meet staff and neighbours while enjoying a fun filled day of music, food, dancing, relaxation and beauty therapy.

The event - opened by 90-year-old Rose Hewlett - one of BHP longest standing tenants - played host to residents of all ages. Young children were entertained in the creche by Zakko the clown who had the wide eyed kids giggling and screaming in amusement at his party tricks, magic, music and face painting.

There was also a steel band, ballroom dancing and a wartime sing along that had the older residents dancing in the aisles. Kilburn tenant, William Cole, didn't let his walking stick stop him doing the Lambeth Walk with his wife of 57 years, May Cole. Lots of musicians performed on the day included a band fronted by BHP's very own anti social behaviour officer, Angela McArthur.

Residents who completed a BHP survey were entered into a prize draw where over twenty residents won gifts ranging from £100 worth of vouchers to a wide screen television. All prizes were donated by contractors working for BHP such as Niblock, Linbrook, Mulalley and McNicholas as well as local companies such as Lord's Shoes in Harlesden.

Nine residents were presented with community achievers award with Willesden resident, Molly Ormonde, picking up a voucher for £250 after being nominated by her neighbours. She was described as 'good humoured' and 'fun' with 'nothing being too much trouble for her neighbours'.

Towards the end of the event the resident compact was signed by BHP's chair of the board, Kathy Ellison, Brent Council's lead member for Housing, James Allie, and Pauline Fell, who represented residents.

Cllr Allie said: "The compact sets out the ways BHP is going to consult residents. Its sums up the spirit and aspiration of what everyone is trying to do to make sure we have homes we are proud of.

"BHP is doing a superb job on behalf of tenants and the council."

Helen Evans, BHP managing director, said: "It was good to meet so many of our residents and talk to them about the services BHP is providing. We've had lots of positive feedback and hope even more council tenants and leaseholders will know of the many ways they can get involved with the running of their homes and estates."