STROUD and Swindon Building Society is holding a day to help pensioners learn more about how to cash in on their homes.

The equity release day is from 9.30am on Wednes-day at the Regent Circus branch.

It aims to help homeowners, particularly pensioners, to find out about equity release when part of a home is signed over to a lender in exchange for a lump sum or monthly payments.

The householder retains full ownership of their home until their death or admittance into long-term care.

The building society's Swindon assistant manager Cath Winterbottom said: "We are going to do it as a birthday party, with balloons and have a '60 years old today' banner up.

"The idea is to let people know that Stroud and Swindon can help with equity release, as I don't think many people realise it.

"And it is also to generally give out information about equity release and whether it is suitable for people.

"Many people have seen it advertised but maybe don't know all the details."

Stroud and Swindon's independent financial adviser from Norwich Union will be on hand all day to give out advice and to make appointments to go over the idea in greater detail.

Cath said: "It's a day of education.

"It's aimed mostly at pensioners, and there will be tea and coffee served all day.

"We want to take contact names and be able to get in touch later on and make an appointment with them."

For details call the branch on 01793 521108.