HOMELESSNESS among young people in North Yorkshire is running many times higher than simple statistics suggest, claims a new study.

About 920 young people become homeless each year across the county's seven district authorities, compared to only 21 suggested by statistics, claims the charity Centrepoint.

And following a detailed study of the issue across the county, they are now passing their findings to the local authorities with suggestions for action.

Centrepoint is one of the leading homelessness and social exclusion charities and their new report follows a study they carried out in the county two years ago.

That established what facilities there were for the homeless in the county and the new study, funded in the main by the Countryside Agency and the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, looks at the extent of the problem and what can be done.

The report, which is the result of detailed consultation with young people and various agencies, found that one-third of young people - aged from 16 to 25 - had slept rough at some time.

More than two-thirds of those interviewed had experienced "hidden homelessness" - either squatting or sleeping on friends' floors.

The study found that some young people simply couldn't access the services that are on offer and that many were reliant on voluntary services.

It also revealed that facilities were lacking in the smaller towns, forcing the young homeless to move way from their support network and friends.

The charity is calling for the district authorities to launch their own homeless strategies and to make sure emergency accommodation is available.

They also want to see a county-wide education programme and more information to be made available so young people know where to go when they become homeless.

Centrepoint's regional development worker Becky Ward said: "Youth homelessness is not a problem often associated with areas like North Yorkshire.

"But high private rents, lack of accommodation in rural areas, a lack of hostel provision in some areas, and inconsistencies in the benefits system all contribute to homelessness among young people.