A CHARITY which runs a winter night shelter for rough sleepers in Durham city has been given £3,500 to help it open for longer.

Sanctuary 21, which is based in Saddler Street, Durham. was given the grant by the City of Durham Parish Council.

Darry Hook, from the charity, said: "It will help in a significant way to help enable the night shelter to stay open longer over the winter and provide resources to support rough sleepers in Durham to keep warm and safe and to help sign post to support services to offer the help they need.”

The shelter provides a safe space where people can get a good night's sleep, food and access services that can help them start on the road towards permanent housing.

It also aims to provide guests with the ability to tackle the causes of destitution, working with the Salvation Army and with outside drug and alcohol, housing and welfare services.

The parish council has a £15,000 budget to give to community and voluntary organisations.

Council chairwoman Elizabeth Scott said: "The City of Durham Parish Council is extremely proud to support such a large number of local community and voluntary organisations through its grant awards this year.

"They all do invaluable work to make the lives of our residents better and its right that we do all we can to support these hard-working dedicated volunteers who too often go unsung in our communities.

"They are simply inspirational."