APPLICATIONS for places at Sir William Turner's Hospital at Kirkleatham are outnumbering the number of places available.

"We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the public interest in our almshouses, said Peter Sotheran, chairman of the board of trustees.

The interest comes as a result of the completion of a £1.7m renovation scheme, managed by Tees Valley Housing Group and funded by the Housing Corporation, the Lottery Heritage Fund and the Almshouses Association.

The East Cleveland Advertiser is now leading a campaign to raise money to landscape the gardens for the benefit of the residents and the neighbouring community.

Mr Sotheran said the trustees are working through two to three dozen applications after they received more than 40 enquiries.

Successful applicants will be invited to view the refurbished cottages and flats.

There is currently space for four married couples and three single people.

Sheila Simpson, resident warden at the almshouses who has responsibility for the residents welfare, added: "Inevitably, some applicants will be disappointed. I only wish we had room to offer a place to everyone."