A CHARITY with its roots in the past is looking for someone to help guide its future.

The Jacobean, Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham, Redcar, were founded in 1676.

Managed by Sir William's family and their successors, the Newcomen, Vansittart and Le Roy Lewis families, until 1951, the homes have been managed by a board of trustees - overseen by the Charity Commission - for more than 50 years.

The ten trustees are responsible for the care and maintenance of the Grade I listed buildings, and manage the finances and select applicants wanting to live at the almshouses.

Breaking with tradition, the management board is issuing an open invitation to people interested in becoming a trustee.

Board chairman Peter Sotheran said: "We are looking for a trustee with a concern for the welfare of elderly people, an ability to cope with financial and business affairs and perhaps and interest in local history."

Write to the chairman of the trustee, 1 Sir William Turner's Court, Kirkleatham, Redcar, TS10 4QT, outlining any experience and the reason for interest.