AN OKEHAMPTON-based architectural practice is offering local home-owners a chance to get some expert home advice — while raising funds for a charity.

Chartered architects Nils Westman are taking part in Architect in the House (AITH), a partnership between the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Shelter.

The scheme gives people the opportunity to book an hour-long consultation with an architect to discuss anything from a loft conversion to a major renovation project.

In return, homeowners are asked to donate a minimum of £40 to Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity.

Mr Westman said the scheme will help many people in need of a roof over their heads.

'Architect in the House offers a first step towards making a positive change to your home, while helping less fortunate families trapped in bad housing to find and keep a home of their own.

'This is a great opportunity to see what an architect can do, whether your home is big or small, we want everyone to get involved.'

Architect in the House is now in its 30th year, and has raised more than £800,000 to date.

The money goes towards helping the one in seven children in Britain who are living in bad housing, directly improving their education, health and happiness.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders predicts that 75,000 homes in the UK will have been repossessed by the end of 2009.

With almost two million families awaiting social housing, and a chronic lack of affordable homes to rent, Shelter's services for people in need will be stretched to the limit in the months ahead.

Architects interested in volunteering their services can also sign up, along with anyone interested in the scheme up until Wednesday, July 1 at http://www.architectinthehouse.org.uk">www.architectinthehouse.org.uk