HELP is on the way for a group of homeless people in North Yorkshire, thanks to a pioneering partnership.

Hambleton District Council has joined forces with the Endeavour Housing Association, on Teesside, to provide a £750,000 housing and support scheme for homeless families.

Eight houses are being bought in the area to provide temporary accommodation as part of the service, which will begin next month.

Carole Morgan, Endeavour's supported housing manager, said: "It is much better for homeless people to move into good quality housing in areas that they know, and where they have relatives and friends. Another plus is that the children can continue to go to the same school and the disruption to their education is minimised.

"People can become homeless for a variety of reasons, including loss of employment, family breakdown or even illness, and this scheme will provide excellent support to help families through a very difficult time in their lives."

Endeavour will be offering a support service to tenants while they are in temporary accommodation. Referrals will come direct from Hambleton council, which says the scheme will help it meet new Government targets to eliminate the use of bed and breakfasts.