A HOMELESS charity in Newport is trying to raise £10,000 for a car they can use to transport items they need.

Newport Nightshelter, which operates under the umbrella of charity Eden Gate, is a group of churches who welcome in the city’s homeless during the winter months and provide a hot supper and drinks, a warm, safe bed for the night.

They also provide toiletries, breakfast in the morning, and genuine friendship.

Marc Hepton, operations manager for Eden Gate, said that, last winter, they had 87 people staying for more than one night and that they successfully supported 27 people into secure accommodation.

He said: "Our current vehicle - a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso - is getting old and has done over 105.000 miles. The engine is a diesel so it will probably outlive the rest of the car.

"The problem we have is that other parts of the vehicle are starting to fail and our maintenance costs are increasing. The vehicle is used for transporting bedding and various other items of kit between church venues as well as for longer journeys when taking people to access rehabilitation outside the area.

"The vehicle we require needs to be large enough to transport up to 13 sets of single bedding and diesel to keep running costs to a minimum."

He said they would welcome anybody or any businesses to do fundraising activities for them.

To donate, visit totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/nnsvu

To find out more about the Nightshelter, you can ring 01633 243235 or visit edengate.org.uk/