Grantham Almshouses has expanded the area it will applicants for the homes it has in and around Grantham.

The charity, run by Trustees, previously helped those within the old borough of Grantham, but will now cover the Diocese of Grantham, which includes 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.

Councillor Ray Wootten, Chairman of the Almshouses said: "We have 34 single homes and 3 homes for couples. There is no rent just a weekly maintenance charge. We are a close knit community with a great sense of belonging. All our property is within walking distance of the town centre."

Almshouses in Grantham can trace their history 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.