THE Order of St John Trust has promised to provide better services and brighter surroundings for elderly residents at Malmesbury's Burnham House.

The non-profit making trust took over the management of Burnham House from Wiltshire County Council on October 1.

Trust general manager Gillian Rocker said: "Burnham House is an excellent care home with very well-trained staff, but what it doesn't have is nice surroundings."

She said the trust would be upgrading the home's furnishings, decorations and equipment.

Residents would be involved at every stage, including being consulted on the colour scheme of their own rooms.

It also intends extending the range of day care services and has given the go-ahead for £11,000 to be spent on updating the nurses' call system.

Burnham House is one of several homes for the elderly in Wiltshire to be taken over by the trust.

Dr Ray Jones, Wiltshire's Social Services director, said he welcomed the transfer.

"I am pleased the home is moving to the trust, not because we want to lose it, but because we want it to have a bright future with investment," he said. "Our primary aim has always been to provide better places for the care of the elderly."