A CHARITY that had to scrap plans to throw a winter lifeline to homeless people is pleading for volunteers to revive the project.

Earlier this year, the First Stop organisation revealed hopes of bringing extra emergency accommodation to Darlington following the death of rough-sleeper Terry McGann.

The alcoholic's body was discovered behind the Wilkinson's store, in East Street, in freezing conditions in February.

The tragedy prompted First Stop to launch a scheme in which its premises in the former Tubwell Row museum would be open during the nights when poor weather posed a threat to homeless people.

However, a plea for volunteers to work through the night, providing soup, blankets and a listening ear, failed.

Chief officer Karen Grundy said: "It is still something that we would very much like to do. We had no response for volunteers, so we are having to look at a different way of doing things.

"We have 16 volunteers for day-to-day work, but we do not have any volunteers for evening and night work.

"It could be a problem given the winter coming on, but we are looking at what we can do with other agencies in the town."

Anyone wanting to volunteer is asked to call (01325) 254463.