LIKE many readers I’m counting down the days until Christmas and am really looking forward to spending some time at home with family and friends.

Home is so important at this time of year, which is why it shocked me to learn that 75,000 children will be homeless this Christmas.

In the North-East, 200 homeless households will be spending this Christmas in temporary accommodation, without the safety and security of a home to call their own.

The good news is that there is a simple way in which each one of us can make a difference to give people without a proper home the advice and support they badly need.

Marks and Spencer is supporting the housing and homelessness charity Shelter through its Christmas Food on the Move range.

By treating ourselves to a delicious lunch from the range, we’ll be supporting Shelter’s free helpline to lend a hand to more than 12,000 people in desperate need this Christmas.

So while you’re getting ready for the festivities this year, please spare a thought for those families and children who don’t have somewhere safe and permanent to live and give your support to this special partnership.

George Clarke, Shelter ambassador.