THE Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham near Redcar have received a welcome cash boost of £3,000 from The Northern Echo.

The money is from the Gannett Foundation, which is run by The Northern Echo's parent company, Gannett.

It will be used to improve bathroom facilities for a 90-year-old resident who has become less mobile.

Chairman of the board of trustees Peter Sotheran said: "The trust is delighted with the support from The Northern Echo's Gannett Foundation. One of the problems we face as people age is that their needs increase. This money will enable us to bring forward work to adapt an elderly lady's cottage to suit her needs, which will include a walk-in shower."

The Almshouses were founded in 1676 to provide sheltered accommodation for 20 elderly people. Today they provide retirement homes for 28 residents, aged from 64 to 90, including married couples.

Anyone over 63, with an identified need, and who can live independently with support from a resident warden, can apply to live at the Almshouses, run by a voluntary board of trustees.

For more information, or to support the almshouses, call (01642) 482828.

For more information on the Gannett Foundation log on to the www.gannettfoundation.org website.