A LANCASTER homeless charity says it is dealing with a growing number of clients, despite suggestions at a national level that numbers are going down.

Tony Hennessy, manager of the night shelter at Lancaster Homeless Action Centre, says he needs more volunteers to help him keep the service running.

"Our numbers have risen in the last few days," said Mr Hennessy: "We had 47 people in on Tuesday of this week, which is a rise on what we had been having. There have been a few new faces around as well, enough to notice.

"A lot of people are just passing through the area and moving on. Some arrive in town looking for work, and Lancaster isn't a good place to look for work at the moment."

The charity has again been hit by the loss of students form the university and St Martin's college, a number of whom had helped out at the Edward Street centre.

"We would appeal for any students from the colleges who are returning to town to get in touch with us. If they could give up a couple of nights every week it would be a great help to us," added Mr Hennessy.

Volunteers will be given an informal interview and shown around the centre, before being put on the rota. Volunteers are asked to give up a minimum of two hours of their time a week.

Help is also needed in delivering food to the centre. It would suit a retired person who could give up around an hour on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Anyone wanting to volunteer can contact Homeless Action on 01524 842008.

The centre will be closed for two weeks from next Monday for its annual cleaning.