A CAMPAIGN is to be launch-ed to tackle a spiralling homeless problem on Teesside.

One charity claims the number of people sleeping rough and asking its help is already in the hundreds and rising.

The Teesside Homeless Action Group said between 240 and 280 homeless people in Redcar and Middlesbrough are asking the charity for assistance - while an unknown number are not.

"These are only the people who come through here and the number is increasing,'' said group manager Francis Owens. "This is homelessness caused by, or contributed to, by alcohol or drug abuse,'' said Mr Owens, who has been homeless himself.

People are sleeping rough, in parks, sheds, and cars, and their numbers are being swelled by rough sleepers moving north from other parts of the country.

They target seaside towns, such as Redcar, in the hope of finding casual jobs.

A project worker starts work on Monday, meeting Teesside's street people. Her brief is to try and prevent those with drink, drugs or mental health problems losing their homes.

Mr Owens said when money runs out an easy option is just to run away.

"They dump their tenancy, or if they are in a bed and breakfast it is easy just to move on, creating a chaotic lifestyle. What we hope to do is try to stop this cycle they get themselves into.''

Funded through Comic Relief, the project worker will try and help people begging a living or taking drugs or drinking on the streets of central Middlesbrough and Redcar. Plans are being made to extend an outreach service to Stockton and Hartlepool.

She will be working for the group, which is also training volunteers to advise on drugs, drink and related issues.

The group has won grants of £172,980 to support its work in helping with accommodation, benefits, debt, welfare advice, resources to help newly-housed homeless people - and finding work.