A woman living at a historic almshouse in Hull is facing eviction threats after refusing to attend the on-site chapel.

Sandy Smith, 69, has lived at the Charterhouse for nearly five years but is now under investigation by the charity's trustees.

The almshouse, founded in 1384, requires all residents to attend chapel services on Sundays unless excused by the appointed master, as reported by the BBC.

Smith, an atheist with chronic lung disease, initially attended services but found some of the sermons offensive.

After raising her concerns with the former master and being denied permission to opt out, Smith stopped attending.

Since then, she has received multiple warnings stating that chapel attendance is part of her agreement to stay at the Charterhouse.

The almshouse provides independent living for residents over 60, but its residents' handbook stipulates that attendance at the Sunday chapel service is mandatory, with absences potentially invalidating their right to occupy their flat.

"This flat is probably one of the best flats I’ve ever lived in," Smith said, expressing her distress at the possibility of losing her home. "I just think it is unreasonable, and I am going to fight it."

Smith is now scheduled to attend a panel meeting with the trustees, who will decide on further action.

Hull City Council, responsible for some of the trustees, confirmed that the Charterhouse operates in line with a scheme approved by the Charity Commissioners but declined to comment on Smith's situation.

"I am just not prepared to do that," Smith concluded, insisting she will not comply with the chapel requirement.