A bare Christmas tree will be put on display by a homeless charity to symbolise the rise of people without homes in Worcestershire.

Maggs Day Centre is showcasing the tree at the Christmas Tree Festival at Worcester Cathedral as a reminder of the 62 people currently living without shelter in the county.

This follows the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recently sharing alarming numbers of over 800 households in Worcestershire facing the risk of homelessness in the past year.

In reaction to these figures, the charity launched the 'Bring Cheer to the Homeless' campaign.

The appeal asks people to donate money, food or clothing to support those without homes or under the risk of being homeless.

Marketing and relations officer at the Maggs Day Centre, Melissa Blewitt, commented on this issue.

Ms Blewitt said: "Homelessness is not something we can ignore at any time of year, but the reality is that this Christmas many people will not have a roof over their heads.

"Our tree is a reminder that this is not a lifestyle choice, and the rising number of people at risk of becoming homeless is being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and mental health, to name a few."

The charity highlights that a donation as small as £10 can fund hot breakfast for five service users, while £50 could offer three hours of support to a tenant.

Dates for public viewing of Maggs' Christmas tree at Worcester Cathedral are from Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, January 14.

You can make your donation either through the Maggs Day Centre website or in person at the Cathedral.

From January 2024, Maggs will also be welcoming volunteers.

For further information about Maggs or its holiday initiative 'Bring Cheer to the Homeless', please visit their official website (https://www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk/christmas2023/).