Eager homeowners who braved the elements and queued through the night were today hoping to snap up a dream £500,000 seafront apartment.

Scores of people eager to take their pick of one of the 24 luxury flats, in Western Esplanade, Westcliff, wrapped up in jumpers, hats and gloves hours before they officially went on sale at 10am today.

Cold - Carl Cantor, centre, with others in the night queue Picture: NICK ANSELL

Company director Carl Cantor, 23, of Imperial Avenue, Prittlewell, queued for 20 hours in sub-zero temperatures outside the Cliffs Pavilion to be first on the list of bidders for one of the flats.

Mr Cantor said he was hoping to snap up a flat with a sea view for about £300,000.

The multi-million pound Hamilton Grange development, in The Leas, features a selection of one and two-bedroom flats priced between £160,000 and £495,000. Interest in the development has been huge, say the estate's agent, Dedman Valuers.

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

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