The ExtraCare Charitable Trust has made this contribution to the Much Wenlock community following its sale of the Lady Forester Community Nursing home to Shropshire-based English Care.

The charity, called the Much Wenlock Forester Charitable Trust, has been formed and overseen by a board of trustees for the benefit of the elderly in the town and surrounding area.

The cheque will be handed over to the chairman of the newly formed trust, Mark Laws, by two trustees from ExtraCare on Thursday March 31 in the town square.

Town councillor David Turner, who chaired the action group which fought for the home’s survival last year, said today that this donation will be invested wisely for the benefit of the elderly in and around Much Wenlock.

He added: “This generous gesture from the ExtraCare Charitable Trust is very much appreciated by the Much Wenlock community.

“Much Wenlock Town Council facilitated the formation of the new trust which has been handled by a working group composed of local residents and councillors.”

Cllr Turner explained that the prime aim of the new Much Wenlock Forester Charitable Trust will be to relieve financial hardship, sickness and poor health amongst elderly people in the area.

Martin Shreeve, trustee for The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, said: “ExtraCare provided excellent care for older people at the Lady Forester Community Nursing Home for 14 years.

“Following its successful sale to English Care last year, the charity wished to recognise the town’s ongoing support for the home and its residents over a number of years.

“As such, the charity is now delighted to make a £250,000 contribution to this valuable and worthwhile new trust.”