ELDERLY people in South Somerset are being given help around the house under a re-launched district council scheme.

South Somerset District Council has teamed up with Taunton Deane Council to reintroduce its community handyman scheme, which offers affordable home maintenance to elderly, disabled or low-income residents in the district.

The council has employed two handymen, Bruce Denney and Stuart Foster, who for as little as £5-10 plus any material costs, will complete a range of household tasks including changing fuses and hanging curtain rails.

Cllr Ric Pallister, who is responsible for housing, said: "The handyman scheme gives the elderly and vulnerable residents of South Somerset the peace of mind that they can trust someone to do essential work to a good standard at very low cost."

The council says the scheme is already proving extremely popular with residents.

If you are elderly, disabled, or on a low income, and wish to use the handyman service, call the council on 01935-462462.