A CHARITY has received a boost in its campaign to help the homeless.

The Cleveland Housing Advice Centre (CHAC) helped 3,700 people last year with issues ranging from housing rights and benefits to debt, eviction and repossession.

It also negotiates with landlords, housing authorities and charities to secure temporary and permanent accommodation for homeless people.

Its contribution has been recognised by the Lloyds TSB Foundation, which is giving the watchdog £25,000 spread over the next three years.

Manager Mahmoud Shehata, said: "This donation from the Lloyds TSB Foundation is great news for us as it will provide us with a degree of stability over the next few years.

"Unfortunately, the number of homeless people continues to rise and this donation will help us to keep up with client demand."

The money will go towards running costs, including buying computer software which will enable CHAC to keep detailed clients' records and data bases.