A CHARITY which has helped hundreds of young homeless people in Darlington has been recognised with a regional award.

Stop2Night has been running since 1992 and was last week awarded the Nationwide award for endeavour for outstanding work the charity has done.

As part of the 700 Club charity, Stop2Night temporarily houses homeless people aged 16 to 25 with host families.

Shaun Leach and Shane Boniface, from Darlington, decided to join the scheme because Mr Leach had been homeless in his youth.

Mr Leach said: "I have been in that situation before when I was younger, spending nights on a park bench after rowing with my dad.

"It's not a nice feeling being alone and vulnerable like that, so I knew when the opportunity arose, that I wanted to put something back."

The couple have welcomed two people since volunteering.

One young man had been thrown out by his family when the couple took him in.

Mr Leach said he stayed with them for two nights, before returning home, where he still lives.

"If it wasn't for Stop2Night, that lad could have fallen into a bad crowd or worse. It just gives them a chance," he added.

The Reverend John Elliston, chairman of Stop2Night, said: "The positive effect of the scheme is enormous, as the young person is taken into the bosom of a family who cares.

"It may be just for 24 hours, but it makes a huge difference and we hope it will stop the spiral of homelessness."

Mr Elliston paid tribute to Bridget Chapman, who co-ordinates Stop2Night.

"Her hard work and dedication to the cause has been fantastic," he said.

Joe Johnson, 25, used the scheme two years ago when he was homeless.

"When I swallowed my pride and took the step of using the scheme, it paid dividends.

"It gave me the chance to step back and think about where I was going."

Mr Johnson has been in full-time employment since.

The charity will be presented with the award on June 12 at the Copthorne Hotel, in Newcastle.

Stop2Night has also been nominated for a national award for later this year.

To find out about volunteering or to give money to the charity, call Mrs Chapman on 01325-382737.