Work has started on the first phase of a £1m project to revamp Abingdon's 15th century almshouses.

Despite an unsuccessful £50,000 bid for lottery funding, work started at the beginning of the month on re-roofing three of the 32 homes.

The work, which will cost about £200,000, is the first part of the five-year project.

The almshouses - Long Alley and Brick Alley near to St Helen's Church and Tomkin's almshouse in Ock Street - are owned and run by Christ's Hospital, the oldest charity in Oxfordshire and one of the oldest in the country.

They provide sheltered accommodation to many residents who can no longer work to afford rent to live in the community.

The oak-panelled main hall at Long Alley is the oldest part of the properties, built in 1446, with later additions. The roof was last repaired 80 years ago.

The money will come from the charity's own funds and grants.

Chris Nutman, clerk to the charity's governors, said it had to dig deep to raise the cash.

He said: "Although Christ's Hospital has been unsuccessful with its application for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Almshouse Association will be providing a loan, interest free, repayable over 10 years.

"The charity very gratefully appreciates receipt of two donations from local supporters.

"The balance of the cost, which will be in the region of £500,000 will be met from the charity's reserves. However, the use of this money will inevitably impact on the charity's income."