A charity helping young homeless people has created extra accommodation.

Malvern Hills Homeless Young Adults Trust (MHHYAT) has extended the Malvern Foyer in Spring Lane North.

The building, which previously had bed spaces for 12 people, has been extended to provide four more bedrooms and two more bathrooms. This was funded by Elgar Housing Association and the Housing Corporation.

"There's a growing demand in the area for good quality, secure homes for young adults," said Jonathan Greenwood, manager of young people's projects for Festival Housing Group, of which MHHYAT and Elgar are members. "We're delighted to be able to enlarge our premises to help meet this need."

Mr Greenwood said in 2003 the Foyer had 40 applications from young people wanting accommodation, but by last year this had risen to 80. Part of the reason was new legislation giving priority to homeless 16 and 17-year-olds.

Young people are referred to MHHYAT by agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Elgar Housing.

As well as running the Foyer, MHHYAT also provides training for a much wider group of young people.