HOMELESS people are to be thrown a winter lifeline following the tragic death of a rough-sleeper.

The First Stop charity yesterday revealed plans to bring extra emergency accommodation to Darlington, in the event of more atrocious weather conditions which could put lives at risk.

The move was prompted by the death of alcoholic Terry McGann, whose body was found by a shopper behind Wilkinson's store, in East Street, Darlington, on Friday.

The body of his younger brother, Gerald, also an alcoholic, was discovered at the same spot ten years earlier.

Bosses at First Stop, where Terry had been a client, believe his death may have been prevented if more accommodation for homeless people was available.

The charity, which provides support for the homeless, has now set up a "Below Zero" project, whereby its premises, in the former Tubwell Row museum, will be opened whenever freezing temperatures pose a threat to vulnerable people.

Chief officer Karen Grundy said: "The issue has been forced because of what happened last week.

"He (Terry) was a client who used First Stop and it is sad that some shelter from the cold might have prevented it."

First Stop already has a team of 16 volunteers and is looking for more people who would be available to work through the night.

Mrs Grundy added: "It would be somewhere warm, with soup and blankets, where people could get a little shelter from the cold.

"The volunteers would also be there to provide a listening ear if that is what people wanted."

Mr McGann, who served around the world with the Army, had been sleeping rough in Darlington, although his wife and family live in the town's Hercules Street.

His family are convinced that the bitterly cold weather last Thursday night led to his death.

Anyone wanting to volunteer to help the project, or provide food and blankets, is asked to contact First Stop organisers on (01325) 254463.