A CHARITY which helps the homeless in Darlington has officially opened its second hostel.

The 700 Club, which was formed by the Darlington Housing Action Group in 1994, launched its St George's Hall base yesterday.

The site in Elmfield Terrace, off Corporation Road, was unveiled by the mayor, Councillor Stella Robson.

The hostel, which has 11 en-suite rooms with a shared lounge, kitchen and laundry area, was also open to the public for the first time.

The hall is the sister project of Hope House, which is an 18-bed hostel for single people, based in Grange Road, that opened in 1997.

The hostels are available to homeless and vulnerable people aged over 16, but there is no upper age limit. They provide support staff 24 hours a day, who help the residents build their confidence to hopefully lead them to move on to permanent accommodation.

The charity is now taking applications from people wishing to become a resident of St George's Hall.

To find out more call (01325) 350053 or (01325) 489604. Or, log on to www.darlington700.org