Domestic workers are invited to apply for a cash award under the terms of the will of Matthew Turner, a printer based in Beverley Market Place in the mid 19th century.

The Turner’s Trust was set up in 1862 as a result of the bequest and the awards are presented in January each year at Beverley Guildhall.

The 2009 ceremony will be of special significance to the Mayor, Coun Ken Thorley, who will present them. The awards are presented under the watchful eye of a portrait of Matthew Turner, which Coun Thorley was responsible for rediscovering around 40 years ago.

Coun Thorley and a colleague were working in the Guildhall in the 1960's when they discovered a small room behind panelling off the kitchen area.

Inside the room were a number of books and paintings including the Turner portrait, which has since been displayed at every Turner’s Trust awards ceremony.

The painting had been missing for donkey’s years until we found it, and it will certainly bring memories back to see it again,” said Coun Thorley.

To qualify for a Turner’s Trust award, applicants must be female, employed doing housework in a residence within eight miles of Beverley Guildhall, and be employed for at least nine or more hours a week by the same family for at least four years.

Anyone who meets the qualifications and wishes to apply should write to the clerk to the trustees, 36 The Croft, Beverley, HU17 7HT.