HOMELESS people living rough on the streets of Worcester are to be given a helping hand through the festive season.

Generous fund-raisers from churches throughout the city have clubbed together to make up food and clothing parcels for the homeless and their pets.

"I think it's wonderful the way people have rallied round, especially in the most deprived areas of the city," said organiser Jean Kennedy.

"There are needy people right on our doorstep. It's nice to think about them at this time of year.

"We've had a great response from everyone in the city - toddlers, parents and pensioners have all been involved. Parishioners and the general public have been fantastic."

Mrs Kennedy had the idea of filling shoe-boxes after helping with previous appeals, including sending parcels to Romania. She hopes that food and essential items such as hats, gloves, scarves and toiletries will now be welcome closer to home.

She initially hoped for around 60 parcels, but believes the final total will top more than 150.

Service

Boxes have been distributed throughout parishes across the city. They were due to be presented to Maggs Day Centre, St Paul's Hostel, and the Women's Refuge today.

"The shoeboxes are filled with presents and will be handed out to visitors to Maggs Day Centre on Christmas Day. We normally have around 50 people attend," said Rob Peachey, chairman of the Maggs trustees.

A service was planned at St Barnabas Church, Rainbow Hill, at 9.30am today, at which Mr Peachey was due to receives the boxes for delivery to the centre in Deansway.

Representatives from St Paul's and the women's welfare group were also due to collect the wrapped boxes.