EXPANDING a volunteer scheme could give homeless youngsters across Hambleton and Richmondshire somewhere to turn in an emergency.

The Nightstop project, which has its headquarters in York, is already a success in the south of North Yorkshire and Ryedale has launched its own service this month.

But at the moment there is little on offer further north - something the Government recognised when it granted Hambleton District Council £10,000 to help cover the costs of researching a solution.

As a result, cabinet members have sanctioned a partnership with neighbouring Richmondshire District Council that will see the Nightstop scheme introduced across both authority areas in the near future.

The project is aimed at people aged between 16 and 25 who, through family difficulties or any other reason, may find themselves without a roof over their heads.

At the moment, Hambleton has little to offer them except bed-and-breakfast accommodation, which means they have nowhere to go during the day.

The lack of a more permanent solution is also thought to be driving many youngsters away from the area - and away from their friends or any other support they may have had.

Nightstop offers food, shelter and practical help with solutions to homelessness 24 hours a day.

The service is run by vetted volunteers who are given extensive training before they are allowed to work in the field.

Its hoped that as many as ten placements will be available in Hambleton and Richmondshire once the project is on a full footing.

Hambleton District Council's cabinet approved the introduction of Nightstop to the area at a meeting on Thursday.

In his report, environmental health and housing chief Eric Kendall said: "Nightstop is a proven and effective form of volunteer-based emergency accommodation for vulnerable young people that has been recognised as a model of safe and good practice.

"The approval of the Nightstop scheme provides an opportunity to bring additional experience and expertise into the district as well as extending the accommodation options for single vulnerable people and a new service to the district."