A CHARITY that tackles homelessness is getting money and know-how from a bank.

The Stanley-based Single Homeless Action Initiative in Durham (SHAID) is getting £2,000 from Virgin Money and the same amount from the Northern Rock Foundation, which is being wound up.

The cheque from the bank was presented on Monday (March 30) to the charity’s patron, Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, who lives in the area.

SHAID also hopes to benefit from the expertise and help of workers at the bank’s offices in Gosforth through a company volunteering scheme for staff.

SHAID has been running since 1997, starting as an organisation focused on the former Derwentside district.

It runs the 16-apartment St Peter’s Court at Sacriston, accommodation for former servicemen returning to civilian life.

SHAID’s manager, Kevin How said: “The money was going to be used to set up a cafe but the lease fell through.

“We are looking to run a cafe at another premises but we will also use the money to bring our training room up to scratch.

“It will go towards the upkeep of the building, which will have an impact on the groups that use the building.

“A small amount will be used for hardship funding, allowing people to have a parcel of food until benefits come through, and bus fares for homeless people to view properties.”

Mr Howe said the charity would also be tapping into the bank’s volunteering scheme and getting help from bank staff.