A CAMAPIGN to keep the vulnerable and homeless warm this winter has been launched as the colder weather draws in.

Wrap Up Middlesbrough is a drive to get people to donate winter coats, jumpers and fleeces.

The coats and other items will then be given out to people who are homeless, in housing need and/or suffering hardship issues at the annual festive event In Out of the Cold, held in the Town Hall Crypt from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday, December 23.

Organised by Middlesbrough Council, the scheme encourages people to drop off unwanted clothing at a number of venues across the town.

Simon Verrill from Teesside University’s Nursing Society, who is coordinating coat donations on site, said: “Teesside University is proud to support this community event.

“We have a number of volunteers from the Nursing Society who are helping with the Wrap up Middlesbrough drive.

“As healthcare professionals we are supportive of this initiative which helps vulnerable members of our community, many of whom tend to suffer from respiratory and other health problems as a result of living in insecure, cold and damp housing.”

Donations can be made until Thursday, December 18 at the following locations: Teesside University Students Union, Information Desk and The Link, first floor, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm; Teesside University School of Health and Social Care, Centuria Building South, opposite the lifts, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm; Middlesbrough Cycle Centre, Middlesbrough Bus Station, Monday to Friday, 8am - 5.30pm and Saturdays, 9am – 4.30pm; Vancouver House, Corporation Road/Gurney Street, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm; and the Civic Centre, Centre Square, Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm.

At the free event in December, the clothing will be distributed through a door ticketing system.