A Bradford priest is hoping to open a permanent 24-hour shelter for the homeless after the success of a Christmas refuge.

Father John Abberton has now closed his annual shelter after providing food and comfort to 60 of the city's homeless.

He now wants to extend the service he provides at ThePlace at St Mary's Church, Barkerend, and is hoping to attract funding to be able to set up the refuge.

Father Abberton also called on Bradford Council to set up a permanent shelter.

He said: "We still have people on the streets, and if we have 20 people that's too many.

"We need access to Government funding and Council funding and we need to use the expertise the Council has."

Father Abberton added that the Council, while considering multi-million pound schemes to regenerate Bradford, should not forget the city's homeless.

He said: "If the Council wants to build a new Bradford, surely they should help the homeless and people with addictions.

"It seems pointless spending millions on the town centre when we have people sleeping on the street."

Volunteers brought festive food and a Christmas meal was provided on Saturday by Bob Atkins and Simon Maloney.

Father Abberton said: "The sad thing was having to close. One of them turned up asking for a cup of tea this morning and he looked frozen."

Andrew Houldswoth, Bradford Council's head of housing operations, said: "Bradford Council is actively involved in helping people who are homeless.

"The Council provides advice on housing and homelessness through centres in Bradford, Shipley and Keighley, as well as offering temporary accommodation in hostels and centres."

Bev Johnson, of the charity Bradford Nightstop, said they relied on funding from Bradford Council and a number of other organisations in the district as well as from churches, schools and individual donations.

She said: "Young people who stay with Nightstop are typical teenagers who have had something go wrong in their life. Things can spiral out of control and we try to provide a safety net."

Further information about Bradford Nightstop is available from their website www.bradfordnightstop.org.uk