YOUNG people leaving charity lodgings are to be given a helping hand to find a home of their own.

Harrogate Borough Council agreed to give special status on its housing waiting list to people who successfully complete a stay in the Barnardo's supported lodgings for young people scheme.

The council says this will significantly improve its work to prevent homelessness.

The charity is working with the council on a mediation project to make available its supported lodgings vacancies to potentially homeless young people.

However, there was a risk of residents becoming homeless at the end of their two-year stay unless arrangements were made for move-on accommodation.