A SCHEME operating throughout the region to help young homeless people is being expanded.

A Nightstop scheme is to be opened in Hartlepool to give temporary accommodation for up to three nights for homeless people aged between 16 and 25.

Similar schemes already operate elsewhere in Teesside and throughout the country.

Volunteer hosts are recruited by the Nightstop group to offer bed, breakfast and an evening meal to homeless young people. The Hartlepool scheme will be run by the Hartlepool Homelessness For-um, which already works to improve conditions for homeless people in the area.

Spokesman Peter Gowland said: "Nightstops give young people in crisis some breathing space to look at what to do next, which may be finding more permanent accommodation, reconciliation with their family or other support.

"Nightstops rely on local people volunteering to give a room and two meals in their own home.

"Volunteers are also needed to take telephone calls and as drivers."

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, November 2, in Hartlepool Central Library for anyone interested in the taking part in the scheme.

To set up a Nightstop in Hartlepool a minimum of two hosts and five telephone volunteers are needed.

The meeting starts at 7pm. All are welcome