More than 1,500 people turned to Bradford Council for help this year because they were homeless but only two thirds of these were eligible for help, it was revealed today.

People given priority for help included families with children, pregnant women and people leaving care.

But for those not meeting the Council's criteria, other options have to be found as the dark evenings turn colder.

Those who cannot get help from the authority have to turn to some of the projects in the city which provide food, shelter and advice for those with nowhere else to go.

Bradford Council's district manager of housing access and advice, David Palethorpe, said there was no need for anyone to be living on the streets.

He said the Council was implementing a new homeless strategy, and had just received news of £73,000 in Government funding for 2004 to help combat homelessness in Bradford.

Sharon Dalby, deputy manager at the Bradford Day Shelter, is providing somewhere for the homeless to go in the Christmas period.

She said: "It can be so disheartening sometimes because once the shelter closes these people have nowhere to go.

"Some end up sleeping on the streets because hostel places are so limited in Bradford."

The shelter on Edmond Street provides warm shelter, cooked meals and facilities for homeless people to wash and clean their clothes.

The day shelter, run by the Horton Housing Association, is preparing to open every day over the festive period.

Staff at the Bradford City Centre Project have also been busy finding shelter for homeless young people.

Director Jed Din said finding accommodation for young people in Bradford was not easy.

He said: "Given their age they are extremely vulnerable, becoming exposed to exploitation, the drugs scene and health matters."

The project, based on Piccadilly, Bradford, and Hall Lane, Shipley, is appealing for donations of food this year to create food parcels for young people who are destitute.

Anyone who can help is asked to call (01274) 749009.