EAST Durham Homes chairman Paul Morgan has named Centrepoint as his charity for the next year.

Centrepoint provides a safe place to live for more than 1,000 young people, aged 16-25, in London and the North-East.

They support young people into independent living with health programmes, life skills and learning opportunities.

According to Centrepoint, 80,000 young people experience homelessness every year in the UK. This is a "worryingly high figure" and this does not take into account  the 'hidden homeless', like sofa surfers and young people sleeping on night buses.

Last Winter five staff from East Durham Homes braved the cold weather and went homeless for a night. They were part of a group of around 40 others from North-East businesses who slept outside in Sunderland to raise money and awareness for the leading youth homelessness charity.

A number of fundraising days and activities will take place throughout the year to raise money for the charity which will start with a ‘dress down’ day this month.

East Durham Homes chairman Paul Morgan said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce Centrepoint as my chosen charity for 2012/2013.

“Unfortunately, as a company, we see first-hand the devastating effects of homelessness and how much needs to be done.”