A YOUTH homelessness charity is appealing for volunteer hosts in the Redcar & Cleveland area.

Operated by Depaul UK, Nightstop North East, provides emergency accommodation for homeless youngsters.

Hosts across the region work to provide a bed for the night for those left without a roof over their heads.

As demand for its services increases, organisers are appealing for new volunteer hosts to take in a young person for the night and offer them a warm bed and a listening ear.

Project manager Kester Young said: ""We have a network of volunteer hosts but we need more in order to support the growing number of young people approaching us for support.

"Unfortunately, the demand for our service usually tends to increase after Christmas, so we are asking people who have some spare time to think about giving up a couple of hours a week to help those less fortunate than themselves."

All volunteers are vetted and receive out-of-pocket expenses, full training and support.

For more information, phone Nightstop North East on 016422 49782 / 07957165488 or email nightstopne@depauluk.org.