Contractor Stansell will hand over the keys of the completed Lady Margaret Hungerford Almshouses to Lord Methuen and the trustees on Monday at 10am.

The Vicar of Corsham, Roger Clifton, will conduct a blessing and South West construction company Stansell will add festive cheer with two new Christmas trees.

They will ask the trustees to switch on the lights.

Work on the historic Grade I Listed Corsham Almshouses will be complete and soon residents will be moving in to new flats at one of Corsham's most prestigious addresses.

Patron Lord Methuen said: 'The Trustees are indebted to Stansell Ltd who have carried out the Phase 2 work to an extremely high standard and have completed the work to schedule. In particular we wish to extend our thanks to the site manager Nigel Towell and to architect Phillip Hartley.

"We would also like to thank the many skilled craftsmen who have worked on this unique building. They have all dedicated themselves to the task. The finished building is a testament to this dedication."

The Phase 2 renovation of the Almshouses began in January.

The work had been delayed because severe structural problems had been discovered when the roof was removed.

Trustee Guy Hungerford said it had been a difficult time for all the trustees, but now they were looking to the future.

"We look forward to the almshouses once again meeting the objectives set out by Lady Margaret in 1668," he said.

Councillor Christine Reid said: "It's wonderful to have local people moving into these unique homes over the Christmas period. Corsham is short of housing at reasonable rents, the almshouses will be a welcome addition."

The almshouses provide accommodation for ten single people. Each flat has a sitting room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.

The former master's house has been converted into a home for a couple.

The distinguished building will also be a significant tourist attraction in Corsham.

Funds for the work have been raised from The Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and North Wiltshire District Council, with contributions from The Almshouses Association and others.