A HOMELESSNESS charity has been given a timely boost to help it continue for another three years.

First Stop Darlington has been handed £113,594 by the Northern Rock Foundation towards its work with homeless people in the town.

The money will be used to pay two staff - one full-time, the other part-time - for the next three years.

The charity, based in Tubwell Row, Darlington, helps homeless people find accommodation.

Its work is particularly focused on people with mental health, drug or alcohol problems.

Staff offer advice and information about a range of housing issues.

Karen Grundy, manager at the charity, said: "We are over the moon about it. This pays for one-and-a-half project workers, without whom we would struggle."

The charity is part-funded by statutory bodies, including Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Primary Care Trust. Funding is also accessed through a range of grant-providing bodies.

Ms Grundy said that last year the charity was nearly forced to close because of a lack of funds. "It is a really important contribution towards our work. This is an invaluable service," she said.