RICHARD Carr-Gomm, who founded the Abbeyfield Society in 1956 to provide support, care and companionship for the elderly and frail, has laid the foundation stone of an exciting new project at Abbeyfield's Frank Bond House, in Bishop's Hull.

Taunton building and construction firm A&H Gadd Ltd is building six new units and community facilities, designed by Taunton architects Stone and Partners.

The new units consist of a living room, bedroom with en-suite shower room and kitchenette and will offer reisdents the opportunity for more independence within Abbeyfield's caring support framework.

Mr Carr-Gomm said: The new extension, scheduled for completion early next year, is an exciting new step for the Abbeyfield Somerset Society, part of the family of 560 Abbeyfield Societies in the UK."

The ceremony was also attended by Andrew Gadd, chairman of A&H Gadd Ltd and by Richard Goring, President of Taunton Vale Rotary Club, a patron of the Abbeyfield Residental Home.

Pictured at the ceremony are Richard Carr-Gomm laying the foundation stone, treasurer Bill Tucker, manager Jill Byford and Andrew Gadd of A&H Gadd.