ON the most bitterly cold of winter's nights, negotiating the icy footpath that leads to the glorious warmth of the hostel is difficult enough in itself - so spare a thought for Michael.

For his perilous journey has lasted considerably longer than a few treacherous footsteps and shows no sign of ending.

Relaxing at Tom Raine Court, the Salvation Army hostel in Darlington, the well-spoken 59-year-old makes light of the fact that he has walked to the town from Carlisle, even with the region in the grip of winter.

"It's a rough life but I survive. At the end of the day, all you can do is survive," he sighs.

His four-week, 70-mile journey - sleeping in fields, under hedges and by the side of roads - is the latest in a long line for the former labourer.

He has been homeless since he was in his thirties after losing his job with a firm in Hull caused friction between him and his wife.

Now a true gentleman of the road, Michael has been on the move up and down Britain for the past ten years.

"I've been attacked and mugged a few times but I didn't retaliate. I just waited until it was over," he said.

"That frightened me off the city centres, they can be very dangerous; so I mostly sleep in fields or hedges now."

Even now, after a decade on the streets, the fall of darkness brings the same fears.

"You can be attacked and that does scare me," he said. "If it's cold, I usually just stay on the move in the night and try to get some sleep later."

It is no way to live, but Michael survives on his job-seekers' allowance and the sanctuary of hostels such as Tom Raine Court.

He harbours hopes of ultimately finding a job and home of his own, but his carers know that conforming to the centre's rules and regulations will soon become too much.

He has experienced harsh times on the streets of London and Leeds, and is bound to get itchy feet again soon.

Meanwhile, sitting in reception is Fred who, at the age of 79, has been with the centre for about 20 years.

A lifelong Darlingtonian, who once worked at the Croft Spa Hotel, he cuts a sad figure, sitting alone in the corridor.

In the two years Captain Christine Lumm has been at the centre, she has seen everything from the gentlemen of the road, to formerprisoners and drug-addicted youngsters.

She also conceded that, for all the tremendous work of volunteers, it is sometimes a losing battle.

"Nowadays, we are keeping people longer, building up self-esteem and teaching them basic skills," she says.

"But that takes time and the beds aren't then available, so where are the new homeless going? Darlington really does need a night shelter."

The increase in homelessness has hit Darlington in the same way as the rest of the country, with many people having to be turned away from the hostel.

"We have people come for soup and sandwiches. But we're only giving the food and blankets out, because we have no beds," says Mrs Lumm.

"We are always full, and as soon as a bed becomes free, we fill it. It's not all homeless people, it could be someone who has fallen out with his wife and come here for one night."

The biggest problem is posed by youngsters, many with drink and drug addictions, which are not tolerated at Tom Raine Court.

"We have no alcohol or substances in the building. If we find out that someone does, they risk losing their accommodation," said Mrs Lumm.

"It is hard for them to stay in a place like this because when they need their fix, they need their fix."