JENNY Agutter, star of hit BBC1 drama Call the Midwife, has returned to her native Taunton to open a housing development.

The actress, who was born in Musgrove Park Hospital and sprang to fame after her appearance in The Railway Children, cut the ribbon at Cedar Gardens last Thursday.

The Blue Cedar Homes scheme, on Compass Hill, consists of 14 freehold homes for over-55s set in landscaped gardens.

The opening, also attended by Taunton Deane Mayor and Mayoress Steve and Diane Brooks, featured exhibitions from local firms, vintage cars, music from the Divertimento String Quartet, artwork and hand-blown glassware from Shakspeare Glass.