A scheme which gives winter shelter to the homeless and helps them find permanent accommodation is coming to Keighley for the first time.

The Inn Churches project – which began in Bradford four years ago – will run a shelter at All Saints’ Church, Highfield, next week.

The scheme caters for 12 homeless people at a time, referred via partner organisations in Bradford and Keighley.

Between late November and mid March shelter is provided at a different church each week and “guests” can remain with the project until they find permanent accommodation.

They are assisted by Inn Churches co-ordinator and support worker, Juli Thompson.

Each person receives an evening meal, somewhere to sleep overnight and a hot breakfast.

Eighty volunteers from more than 20 churches will help stage next week’s venture, which is being carried out with Keighley Churches Together.

Alan Mottershead, joint local co-ordinator and a member of All Saints’ Church, said: “Demand for the shelter has been very high.

“Access is by referral only. It has not been possible to accommodate all who have been referred, which is perhaps a reflection of the 47 per cent increase in homelessness in the Bradford district over the last year.”

He said the scheme – which until now had just operated from Bradford churches – was a real success story, involving several hundred volunteers and helping many homeless people from different backgrounds.

Last winter the project had 115 referrals, of which 60 per cent were helped into permanent accommodation.

“Initially when it started it simply provided a bed for the night but our aim is to find a home for these people,” he added. “Giving them shelter for a night doesn’t solve their problems.

“Those volunteering this time are relatively new but I would like to believe that next year we could perhaps host two weeks in Keighley.”

Anyone wanting further information about Inn Churches can contact Mr Mottershead on 07894 547153 or alan@innchurches.co.uk, or visit innchurches.co.uk.