A GWENT charity which suffered large scale damage after a fire spread from a property nearby on the weekend, is appealing for help.

Newport-based One Step At A Time, which helps homeless people across the city and Torfaen, have volunteers in this week clearing up the fire-stricken site, but are desperate for further support.

Most of the charity’s equipment was destroyed or damaged beyond repair and to get things moving as quickly as possible, they urgently need some skips and office equipment.

Founder of the charity, Lee Williams, said: “We are trying to get things moving as quick as possible but it’s been really hard, we have had around 10 volunteers down here every day but we are desperate for some basic things.

“All of our computers, printers and desks were damaged beyond repair and whilst we are salvaging as much as possible, most things are having to be thrown away.

“We can’t take our large sofa items and other things to the tip, so we really need someone to donate a couple of skips.”

As part of the clean-up, Stephen Norton and Chris Verren are painting and decorating the site overnight this weekend whilst the Crystal Cleaning Company will be lending their support on Sunday and Monday.

Volunteer Verity Davies, said: “We had to turn two women away yesterday who came to collect sofas we had set aside for them as they’ve been trying to get back on their feet.

“They still wanted to take them but their damaged beyond repair, like most items on the site now. For us if we can get the office side of the building up and running as quick as possible, that’s the best way we can start helping people. But the warehouse will take a lot longer.”

The charity are having the site assessed for damage today and will find out whether the roof is repairable or not.

They have also had to cancel their next Help for the Homeless event, which they are unable to run without the site being fully operational. At the moment it is also unclear whether their planned Santa’s Grotto on December 19 will go ahead.

Mr Williams, added: “We had such an amazing afternoon on Friday helping people, our best event yet but that seems like so long ago now and to see how it looked then and now is just unbelievable.

“We had so much planned for the festive period that we may not be able to do now. It’s the hardest and coldest time of the year for homeless people and it will be them will feel the impact more than anyone sadly. If anyone can help with IT equipment, skips or just to help then we would be grateful.”

To contact the charity email onestepatatimecharity@hotmail.com, or call 01633 253 015.