A project to help homeless people has won Government backing.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has awarded a £3,500 grant to develop a support group for homeless people in the Harrogate area.

The scheme, run by community health worker Eryl Walton, will rehouse homeless people and encourage them to support themselves and their families.

"Harrogate is an affluent town where the needs of homeless people can often be overlooked," she said yesterday.

"The aim of this scheme is to help homeless people rebuild their lives, cope with the stress of being a parent, improve their health and grow in confidence."

A drop-in centre will provide homeless people and their children with a safe and secure environment to meet and discuss how to improve their quality of life and fulfil their potential.

The scheme has the backing of the local primary care trust, the borough council, social services and a number of housing associations.

An public meeting will take place on Monday, June 16, at 2pm at 22 Robert Street, Harrogate, to discuss possible locations for the centre.