A CHARITY has thanked generous Worcester News readers who raised more than £10,000 for the city's homeless people.

Individuals and businesses dug deep to donate to the Maggs Day Centre's Christmas Appeal, but the charity is facing a substantial shortfall for the year ahead.

Sarah Jeffrey, of the centre in Deansway, Worc-ester, said the annual appeal regularly raises thousands of pounds, but clothing, sleeping bags, gifts and food are also important to the charity and its users.

"We usually raise about £8,000 so it's an improvement on last year," she said. "I would just like to say a huge thank you' to everyone who donated. It's money that will go towards the day centre and it means people will be fed and we will be able to continue to give people support."

She said those who use the centre are grateful for the city's generosity.

"They know that Christmas time is a time when people make donations to us. They know we are funded from various different sources and that public donations are a real key part," she added.

Despite a successful fund-raising appeal, Ms Jeffery said the centre is facing a shortfall of about £25,000 this year and urged everyone to keep giving what they could afford.

"Unfortunately, several of our sources of funding we've been relying on for the last few years have come to an end, so we are facing a shortfall this year," she said.

"Public donations are going to be really important. But if some people are unable to give money, they can turn out their wardrobes or give household equipment, so that we can start people off who are being rehoused into new tenancies."

She said the centre is always looking for new volunteers and urged anybody wishing to join the team to ask for Mel Kirk, while donations should be handed in at the centre.