Former sports student Robbie Brown has swapped football for house sales after following in his mother's footsteps.

The former county player studied sport science at Solent University in Southampton with the aim of becoming a PE teacher.

But he found his people skills and grasp of technology were suited to a sales consultant traineeship with Linden Homes - part of the same group where his mother Jacqueline worked.

The 27 year old is doing his training at the company's Oaklands location at Hunts Grove near Hardwicke, which launches two show homes this weekend.

He said: "When you're playing sport, you're playing as part of a team or group, and you might be an individual part of the jigsaw at times, but you're working towards the same objective - and in my new role that's helping home hunters find their perfect property.

"I enjoy working with and talking to people, both staff and customers and it's different every day - whether it's online tours, talking people through different specifications and choices, or working to ensure all their needs are met when searching for their new home.

"My mum was a sales consultant for the company and she knows I'm good with people and had experienced her doing the role, so I had a feeling I would be good at it - anyone who is a people person, has strong technology skills and is good at learning and knowledgeable about property should consider a sales traineeship in housebuilding."

He stopped playing competitively after breaking the same ankle three times and did temporary work for the housebuilder, including answering the phones and taking appointments.

As his knowledge grew, he worked at locations at weekends dealing with customers face-to-face and is thriving in his traineeship after starting in January.

Three-bedroom Becket and Elmslie show homes will be open at Oaklands for private viewings from tomorrow.

Area sales director Michele Davis said: "Our interior stylists have done an amazing job adding all the finishing touches that really make a house feel like a home and I'm sure that home buyers at Oaklands will be impressed.

"We're excited to be able to invite home hunters to come and see our stunning new show homes for themselves and get inspired for their own brand-new property at Hunts Grove."

To book a private viewing or for more information on the location, house types and purchasing options, visit lindenhomes.co.uk.