A LANCASTER charity is asking local people to remember the homeless as Christmas approaches and temperatures plummet.

Lancaster Christmas Shelter will be running for its 19th year at St Thomas Church, Lancaster, throughout the festive season.

It aims to provide a safe, warm and friendly environ-ment for people living on the streets in the area.

And Lancaster Homeless Sction, the group behind th shelter, is urging people to spare a thought for those who have no homes to go to.

Donations including cash, clothes, sleeping bags, duvets and dried and tinned food are wanted as a matter of urgency. And volunteers are also needed to help out at the shelter.

A string of fund-raising activities are now taking place at supermarkets in the area to boost the group's funds.

Organisers say anyone who wants to do their own fund-raising can also chip in by calling either Ewen or Nigel on 01524-842008.

The Christmas Shelter opens on December 24 and will run through to December 29. After that, the day centre is open all year to offer help.