THE death of Terry McGann has prompted a charity to bring extra emergency accommodation to Darlington during bad weather.

Managers at First Stop, where Terry had been a client, believe his death possibly could have been prevented if more through-the-night accommodation for homeless people was available.

The charity, which provides support for the homeless, has now set up a Below Zero project, meaning its premises in the old Tubwell Row museum will be opened whenever freezing temperatures could pose a threat to vulnerable people.

On Monday, chief officer Karen Grundy said: "The issue has been forced because of what happened last week. He (Terry) was a client who used First Stop and it is sad that some shelter from the cold might have prevented it."

First Stop already has a team of 16 volunteers and is looking for more people who would be available, at short notice, to work through the night.

Mrs Grundy added: "It would be somewhere warm, with soup and blankets, where people could get a little shelter from the cold."

Following Mr McGann's death, the homeless charity Shelter called on all local authorities to provide emergency shelters.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council admitted it did not operate a cold weather policy although he said help was available for the homeless.

Anyone wanting to volunteer to help Below Zero, or provide food and blankets, should contact First Stop on (01325) 254463.