LANCASTER'S Homeless and Housing Action Centre has been given the green light to hold their annual Christmas Shelter at Our Lady's High School.

Last week, group co-ordinator Tony Hennessy told The Citizen it looked unlikely that the school would be able to accommodate the gathering this year.

But, after negotiations, Tony has managed to secure the venue for the 11-day event which is set to commence on Christmas Eve.

Now the group are calling on kind-hearted locals to donate heaps of items to help them get off to a cracking start.

As well as clothing, toiletries and presents they need lots of Christmas decorations, tinned foods, sleeping bags and other necessities. They also need buckets of cash and at least 200 volunteers to work along side charity workers throughout the festive event.

Sadly, after 13 years, this will be the group's last year at Our Lady's High and they are on the lookout for new premises.

Tony said: "The people of Lancaster and surrounding area have always been very generous to this cause which helps many people and we are looking to them to kindly help us again this year."

If you can help, have premises to offer or wish to donate goods, contact the Homeless Christmas Shelter on 847724 or 842008.

Last week The Citizen highlighted the story of the centre's bid to obtain £100 of the News of the World hero Cap'n Cash who pledged the cash to the cause more than a year ago. We are happy to report that the News of the World have since coughed up the cash and may be doing more for the centre in the near future.

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