Community of Rocester are quids in

If you are going to sell 4.2 acres of land for a pound, at least make it a giant pound - that seems to be JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford's motto this year.

The Staffordshire-based plant company has just completed a deal to 'sell' the land in Rocester - home of its HQ - for a nominal œ1 to Touchstone Housing Association.

This will allow 50 new homes for 200 people who are at present living in 1960s flats in the village to be built.

Touchstone chief executive Bill Martin received the mega coin from Sir Anthony in a ceremony to clinch the deal.

'One of our key objectives at JCB is to develop strong links between industry and communities by being a good neighbour and I hope the gift of this land is a first step towards putting the heart back in Rocester,' said Sir Anthony.