A COMMUNITY-Spirited church in Kidderminster have opened their doors in support of the homeless as they introduced their new soup kitchen.

The soup kitchen was launched on Monday (January 14), at the Salvation Army Church on Jerusalem Walk in Horsefair, and will take every week from 6pm to 7.30pm.

Those in need can come to receive hot food and use shower facilities with towels provided.

People have been asked to circulate the message to homeless people in the town.

Church leader Lieutenant Stephen Hollingsworth said: "We had discussions with the council, police and Swanswell rehabilitation about what we could do to support rough sleepers in Kidderminster.

"We wanted to provide a place for people to come and be well fed and warmed up.

"We are a Christian church and hope to provide a good Christian message."

Wyre Forest has been identified as having one of the highest levels of homelessness in the region, according to figures released by housing charity Shelter.

The number of homeless people in the West Midlands has increased by more than 2,500 to 24,000 in the last year, with Wyre Forest coming in 5th for the highest rate of homelessness in the region.

Shelter says there are 211 people in Wyre Forest in temporary accommodation, with another four people sleeping on the streets.

David Griffin, who runs the Kidderminster homeless support group H.E.L.P, said: "The soup kitchen is a brilliant idea and it's what we have needed for a little while.

"Everybody that is going to be there will be DBS checked, and people will be able to be fed.

"It's a brilliant start to helping the homeless in the town."