A CHARITY in Darlington is appealing for volunteers to help the homeless.

Darlington Nightstop provides emergency short-term accommodation for 16 to 25 year olds.

Volunteers give accommodation in their homes for up to three nights to someone who is homeless.

The young person has an evening meal, someone to talk to, the use of a washing machine and bathroom and breakfast the following morning.

As well as needing people to provide accommodation, the charity is also looking for volunteers to co-ordinate the service matching homeless people with available beds and to drive them to their temporary accommodation.

Donations of new toiletries and dressing gowns are also needed.

Darlington Nightstop co-ordinator Michelle Frewin said: "Being a volunteer for Darlington Nightstop is a very rewarding activity. You get the chance to make a very visible difference to homelessness in our area."

The appeal came as members of Darlington Borough Council's social affairs and health scrutiny committee met to discuss the extent of homelessness in the town.

A report considered by the committee showed that there has been a substantial increase in the number of homeless people asking for help during the past two years.

It showed the main causes of homelessness in the town are loss of rented accommodation, the break-up of a relationship and the loss of a family home.

According to research in the report, there are only 19 rough sleepers in the town but more than 50 people are referred to as hidden homeless because, although they are not sleeping on the streets, they are sleeping on someone's floor and do not have a permanent home.

The committee reviewed the homeless strategy.

To volunteer for Nightstop call (01325) 382737.