character references for newcomers?

I'm heading to Newcastle at the end of this week to go look for a place to live.  I've noticed that a lot of agents mention that they want a character reference.  Who do you use if you aren't well-established in the community yet?  I have a couple friends in the UK, professionals with PhDs in their thirties, but not living in Newcastle.  Would these individuals be appropriate?  The only people I know in Newcastle are those who will be future colleagues.  They've met me, but don't know me particularly well. 

Any insights would be most welcome!  I really want to be able to hit the ground running!
 

Use the ones who are out of the area. They should be fine. I would think this happens all the time.

I'd agree with Jim.   Why should somebody giving a character reference have to live in the area you intend to live?   

Use the people who have known you well for a while, whether from elsewhere in the U.K. or in the U.S.

I'd agree with Jim.   Why should somebody giving a character reference have to live in the area you intend to live?   

Use the people who have known you well for a while, whether from elsewhere in the U.K. or in the U.S.

I agree - I did a character reference for one of my friends who lives in Reading last year with no problems at all... and I was living in the US at the time .