The Grantham Almshouses have been offering housing support for centuries.

The charity, run by Trustees, previously helped those within the old borough of Grantham, but now covers the Diocese of Grantham, and Great Gonerby, Londonthorpe, Woolsthorpe and Stroxton.

The present criteria for obtaining a beneficiary is for people in need, residing in the Grantham area for six months or more and, they must be aged 50 and above.

There are 34 single homes and 3 homes for couples.

Coun Ray Wootten, re-elected as Chairman of the Almshouses at this year's first ever virtual AGM said: "I wish to thank my fellow Trustees for their continued support.

"Our almshouses are a close knit community with a

long history which can be traced back to 1598 when Francis Trigg gave property in Watergate to the town." George Dawson in 1662 bequeathed funds to build Dawson's Almshouses, which now stand opposite Kings School (pictured). Several other charities with names such as Hurst, Hutchins, More, Bradley and Russel Read that are familiar family names in Grantham were joined

together in 1961 to become Grantham Almshouses.

The charity also has Almshouses for women only in Brownlow Street, Albion Cottage and Albion Street; bequeathed from Miss Kathleen Farish and Elizabeth Bradley.

The Dorothy Brownlow Almshouses are situated in Castlegate on land given by Lord Brownlow after the death of his wife.

Further information can be obtained from Mr Peter Hooper, Clerk to the Trustees at 7 Dawson's Almshouses, Grantham, NG31 6RT or telephone

01476 571193.