BUSINESSES and individuals are being urged to dig deep into their pockets to get homeless people in Worcester off the streets during the cold winter months.

Maggs Day Centre, in Deansway, Worcester, is hoping to run a 10-week night shelter scheme for homeless people until the end of March.

But the shelter, which opened on Monday, only currently has enough funding for seven of those weeks.

Several Worcestershire and national organisations and charities have already contributed to the £30,000 initiative, but a further £9,000 is urgently needed.

"This is the third year we have held the scheme and it has proved vital to stopping homeless people in Worcester freezing to death," said centre manager Simon McGorman.

"We have received the backing of a lot of organisations but we do need more if the shelter is to run the whole 10 weeks."

It opens from 9.30pm until 7am and provides a roof for the night and a hot meal for up to 15 people.

It works on a first-come, first-served basis, with people coming to the centre during the day to apply for a place for that night. Priority is given to the city's rough sleepers.

Donations have also come in other forms, including roll mats for people to sleep on, and other such gifts would also be accepted. But, it is money which is most needed.

"We are grateful for anything we can get, but at the moment we do really need this extra cash," added Mr McGorman.

"The shelter not only provides a lifeline in the 10 weeks it runs, but can open doors to more permanent solutions.

"We have a team dedicated to finding these people homes and a lot of good work is done during this time. Any donations, no matter how small, will help."

The day centre, which opens from 7.30am-2pm, provides a hot breakfast and cooked midday meal for the homeless, all free of charge.

There are also a number of drop-in clinics with groups such as Citizens Advice Bureau and Turning Point, the Worcester drug awareness group.

For more information, call the centre on 01905 25027.