IF you're over 60, living on a low income and have a connection with Taunton you could qualify to move into an almshouse flat in the town.

The Taunton Heritage Trust, which provides sheltered accommodation at affordable rents, is holding an opening morning to enable people to look around one of its available flats.

The housing charity owns five properties with a total of 66 self-contained flats for people capable of independent living - the oldest, Grays Almshouses, in East Street, dates from 1635.

They all benefit from part-time warden assistance and a 24-hour piper alarm system, while white goods and flooring are provided in each home, as well as communal laundry rooms and community rooms.

Gardening, communal cleaning, repairs and maintenance are provided and the trust organises two free outings a year, along with a Christmas gift of cash to each resident.

The trust, which also owns two commercial properties generating income for grants to support people in need, is holding the open morning at Huish Homes, in Magdalene Street, Taunton, on Thursday, January 25, from 10am to noon.