A WINSLEY charity has disbanded after 25 years serving the community in and around the village.

The members of the Wilts and Avon Trust for Community Homes voted to dissolve the organisation because of an ageing committee and less need for its help.

The charity began as a friends and parents organisation at the former Winsley Centre for people with learning disabilities, and with the advent of Care in the Community became a watchdog over the standards of care in small community homes in the area.

Chairman Ray Theobald said: "The spacious central location at Winsley was ideal for fundraising and social events, even if the hospital-type environment is now seen as quite unsuitable for respite and long-term care.

"Over nearly two decades we've had several successes in defending the residents' interests, as well as being able to assist their holidays with grants.

"But now, with an ageing committee and input from only a minority of the homes, we've reluctantly decided to call it a day."