FAMILES at an action meeting threw their weight behind a new campaign to fight for affordable housing in Dorchester.

They backed a crusade by campaigning Penny McCartney, 32, to win help for people priced out of the property market.

The support came when Mrs McCartney launched the Action for Affordable Housing group at a meeting at Wolfedale golf course's club house in Charminster

Now she is due to contact the housing charity Shelter for support, publish a newsletter and hold another campaign meeting.

Mrs McCartney, who lives with her husband in Alfred Road, Dorchester, said: "The issues brought up were quite emotive.

"Some people who came along felt it helped just to have someone else to talk to about their problems.

"One couple had been on the housing waiting list for six years and have had a terrible time.

"But they haven't been able to get a place because they have no kids, no problems with health and other issues, and are living with their parents."

Mrs McCartney, who is a student and part-time Tesco worker, held the meeting for first-time buyers and people struggling to buy houses in Dorchester.

Coun Molly Rennie and West Dorset District Council head of housing Geoff Joy were among those to attend the inaugural meeting.

The session came as prices for homes in Dorset rocketed - £205,000 for a detached house and £109,820 for a terraced property - in latest figures.

Mrs McCartney said: "One couple can raise a £47,000 mortgage, but that can't buy you anything in Dorchester. Another couple are thinking about moving to Skegness unless things improve."

She added: "There are so many issues involved in housing. It's the middle group of people, like ourselves, whose needs are not being met and are pushed to one side."

Anyone who wants to join the Action for Affordable Housing group, be sent a newsletter or talk to Mrs McCartney is urged to call (01305) 259668.