TELEVISION DIY whiz Tommy Walsh has backed a Hampshire scheme that enables older people to remain in their own homes for longer.

The star, pictured, of the BBC's Ground Force programme gave the thumbs up to the county council's Contractors in the Community scheme, which collects donations in a charitable fund and from county council-approved contractors to pay for maintenance and repair jobs at elderly residents' homes.

Tommy, who was attending the Good Neighbours Awards at Winchester's Great Hall, said: "It is encouraging to see that so many local companies have got involved in the scheme and have put funding back into communities to support vulnerable older people."