A charity in South Lakeland is appealing for volunteers to come and help at its winter shelter to try and prevent people from having to spend the night on the street in the coldest months of the year.

Manna House, a charity that provides advice, advocacy and a drop-in support centre for those who are homeless or in need of help, is coordinating the Kendal Winter Shelter with the help of six local churches who open up their halls and kitchens in turn from November until March.

Every night throughout the winter period there will be a bed, evening meal and breakfast somewhere i the town for homeless people.

Volunteers are in particular need this year to keep the guests safe between 10pm and 8am especially as the shelter will be open for longer.

Shelter co-ordinator Lois Sparling said "Last year more than 100 amazing people volunteered to work for the Shelter but it was still a struggle to cover the overnight slots."

"We would like to hear from anyone who would like the opportunity to welcome out guests in from the cold,to cook, serve and eat a meal, and spend the evening with them companionably, but most of all we need a number of new volunteers who are able to stay the night once a fortnight and make sure everyone gets a peaceful night's sleep."

Manna house is also looking for churches or other organisations who would like to join the Adopt-a-Team scheme to cook, or provide the ingredients for the weekly meals.

This year the Shelter will run from November, 19 until March, 10. Anyone who might be interested to help is asked to ring 01539 725534 or email lois@manna-house.org.uk