THE "massive problem" of homelessness in Darlington has been shown by the number of people using a project to give them a bed for the night.

About 40 people have so far used the In From The Cold project, based at Grange Road Baptist Church.

The Reverend John Elliston, minister of Grange Road Baptist Church, said: "A lot of people have come, which says that the project is successful.

"But as a comment on Darlington, we have a massive problem or at least a problem that is bigger than we thought it was."

The project had expected between six and eight people each night. Since word spread, numbers have hit the maximum of 12.

The scheme started on December 21 and will run for 90 days. Users of the service receive a bed, food and a shower. Professionals are also on hand at the church twice a week to offer housing advice.

Churches in the town, the Salvation Army, Darlington Borough Council and other charities have teamed up to provide the service.

Catterick Garrison has supplied camp beds and the bakery chain Greggs has donated food.

Mr Elliston said: "This is not a solution, it is just an elastoplast. We need to help these people.

"Housing advisors need to see what their needs are and endeavour to meet them with what we have in Darlington.

"What is clear is that we cannot have a situation like this next year."

Andrew Banks, co-ordinator of the project, said of those using the service: "Most people are long-term homeless and have been in other forms of accommodation. Many are sleeping rough."

Many of those using the project have alcohol or drug problems or cannot find work.

John Taylor, 20, has slept at the church every night of the project. He left home at the age of 16 and has been sleeping rough or in hostels ever since.

He said: "This project helps me. It gets you out of the cold into the warmth, lets you watch television and have a shower."

He has now been put on a waiting list for a local hostel.

Another visitor, known only as Michael, was told about the project by the police last week.

The 39-year-old said he was either sleeping rough, getting arrested to spend the night in cells or looking for hostels.

He said: "In From The Cold is excellent. You have got decent food, respect from the people in here and there is no trouble so you can relax.

"I am now on the road to getting a place."

Michael said that it would be the first time in 20 years that he might have somewhere to call home.

The project is open every night from 8pm in the basement of the church.

It is also calling for more volunteers and hopes to receive more beds.