AN appeal has been launched by a Darwen-based charity to provide sleeping bags for homeless people.

Staff at Broken Arcs, the Christian charity shop which is part of International Aid, are hoping to collected the unwanted bags and distribute them to needy people in Darwen, Blackburn and Manchester.

Appeal organiser Pat Monks said: "We are coming to that time of year when it is really cold, and it's going to get worse. In Blackburn there are homeless hostels which provide shelter but people haven't got the money to buy food and clothing. There are not so many people on the streets but they just move on from one place to another.

"A lot of the young people head into Manchester, but they come from all different areas."

Sleeping bags or small donations can be left at Broken Arcs at 45 Duckworth Street, Darwen.