EXPANDING a volunteer scheme based in York could give homeless youngsters across Hambleton and Richmondshire somewhere to turn to in an emergency.

The Nightstop project is already a success in the south of North Yorkshire and Ryedale also launched a service this month.

However, at the moment there is little on offer to one of the most vulnerable groups of society further north - something the Government recognised when it granted Hambleton District Council £10,000 to help cover the costs of researching a solution.

As a result, councillors are to be asked to sanction a partnership with neighbouring Richmondshire District Council which will see the Nightstop initiative introduced across both authority areas in the near future.

The project is aimed at people aged between 16 and 25 who, through family difficulties or any other reason, may find themselves homeless.

At present, Hambleton has little to offer them except bed-and-breakfast accommodation, which means they have nowhere to go during the day.

The lack of a more permanent solution is also thought to be driving many youngsters out of the area and away from their friends or any support they might have had.

Nightstop offers food, shelter and practical help with solutions to homelessness 24 hours a day.

The service is run by volunteers who are given extensive training before they are allowed to work at the centre.

It is hoped that as many as ten placements will be available in Hambleton and Richmondshire once the project is fully open.

Hambleton District Council's cabinet will debate the introduction of Nightstop to the area tomorrow.

However, environmental health and housing chief Eric Kendall has already indicated his support.

In a report to cabinet members, he writes: "Nightstop is a proven and effective form of volunteer-based emergency accommodation for vulnerable young people that has been recognised as a model of safe and good practice.

"The approval of the Nightstop scheme provides an opportunity to bring additional experience and expertise into the district, as well as extending the accommodation options for single vulnerable people and a new service to the district."