SOME men drop in to have a bed for the night, others want to stay a few months to get their lives back on track and a few rely on the facility to save them when all else fails.

Tom Raine Court, in Darlington, has transformed men with drug and alcohol addictions, supported those with mental health problems, re-homed the homeless and developed the skills of those who had little to offer would-be employers.

Every day, someone turns up on the doorstep of the centre, in Borough Road. Most are from the region, others from further afield, but all need a shelter and food.

Centre manager Tony Thornton, who has worked at Tom Raine Court for 11 years, said it catered for men from all walks of life - those who have experienced a relationship breakdown, others who have left home due to drug problems, men referred from other agencies and some who simply go from hostel to hostel, scared of the responsibility of having their own home.

Kevin Gowling, 48, slept rough in Darlington for more than four years before being taken to the centre with a serious alcohol problem 18 months ago.

Making the most of Tom Raine Court's rehabilitation programmes and by working with one of the project workers, Mr Gowling has turned his life around and no longer drinks or smokes.

"It is a beautiful place and I feel it is very much my home. It has made me a better person," he said.

Owned by the Salvation Army Housing Association, the centre has 30 single bedrooms - almost always occupied - two communal lounges, bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, workshop and woodwork room.

Men pay £34.94 a week and for their money receive four meals, training in skills and resettlement, rehabilitation and, most importantly, a roof over their heads.

The centre's staff work closely with local agencies and authorities to help give the men an independent future.

Lodgers come and go as they wish, complying with basic rules not to have alcohol in the building and to always sign in visitors.

"I've landed on my feet here. I like being in Darlington the best," said Vincent McNally, 34, who since leaving home in 1996 has stayed in hostels the length and breadth of the country.

If a room is available, the centre will accommodate any man, over the age of 18, who finds himself on the street at any time of the day or night.