A FUNDRAISER launched by a Harrogate restaurant to support the homeless in the town during the cold winter months has raised £350.

Over the festive period, The Yorkshire Meatball Co, on Station Bridge, added a discretionary charge of 50p to every bill to help the Harrogate Homeless Project.

As well as raising vital funds, the team also spent a day at the charity’s day centre, Springboard, providing lunch for its service users.

Restaurant co-founders, David and Gareth Atkinson, were thrilled to visit the charity again this week to present a cheque to the staff.

Gareth said: “During these cold winter nights it’s unbearable to think about homeless people living on the streets with no shelter, as we all wrap up warm with central heating.

"The work of the Harrogate Homeless Project is incredible and we are keen to offer any support we can to allow them to continue with this vital service.

“We would like to thank all of our generous customers who contributed to the fundraiser and we were delighted to present a cheque for £350 to the charity, which we know will be put to good use.”

Liz Hancock, chief executive at Harrogate Homeless Project, said: “We really appreciate the support of The Yorkshire Meatball Co. and their customers this winter, which helps us continue our vital work with homeless people in the district.

"Support from the local community means we can make a real difference to people’s lives, providing more than a handout, we provide a hand up to people to break the cycle of homelessness.”