AN appeal has gone out to help raise vital cash to give support to homeless people and rough sleepers in Redditch during the festive season.

Radiate Redditch, based in the Ecumenical Centre, will be providing shelter and support via a Christmas Hub.

The plan is to run the hub from Boxing Day until New Year's Day - both in the day and at night.

During the day the group will provide a drop in space where people can go for food/activities/ or just socialise and spend time with others.

On the nights, the group provides a safe shelter for homeless and rough sleepers in the town.

It will cost around £3,500.

Steve Levett, minister at the Ecumenical Centre, said: "It feels like we're getting there. The fundraising is going well and we've had lots of people come forward as volunteers - mostly people new to this.

"It's a great feeling and shows that the community can come together, and what people are capable of. We've had all sorts of offers - not just meeting the basic needs.

"It feels like this is what Christmas is all about."

Mr Levett admitted they may have up to 40 people attend in the day but it was impossible to say how many people in total would need to use the hub.

"Thankfully Redditch is not that bad compared to some other areas such as Birmingham but it is a problem," he said.

"Doing this for 10 days is great but a longer term solution is needed."

People can make a donation straight into the Radiate Bank Account (via the Radiate Facebook page) or email revlev66@gmail.com.

Alternatively, people can drop in to the Ecumenical Centre, on Evesham Walk.