An appeal to raise money for homeless people in Bradford has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of the organisers.

Aiming to raise £100,000 in four years, the Catholic Housing association has now hit the £175,000 mark.

"We launched the appeal in 1999 and had reached the £100,000 in just 18 months," said Richard Hughes-Rowlands, the director of the CHAS appeal.

"But every penny is useful so we carried on with the fundraising and such has been the response that we have already passed £175,000."

An unexpected spin-off from the publicity attached to donations and sponsored events is that the number of people approaching CHAS for help has steadily increased.

"We don't complain," said Mr Hughes-Rowlands. "That's what we are here for!"

Based at St Patrick's Centre, Sedgefield Terrace, the charity advises and supports homeless people of all religions with emphasis on keeping families together. It also has two vans which provide a furniture service and a shop which sells smaller items from house clearances to raise funds.

"The shop has only been going a few months but makes £500 to £600 a week, which is invaluable," said Mr Hughes-Rowlands.

The appeal, widely supported by Bradford people and businesses, started as a way to replenish CHAS reserves.

"For some years, we had been spending about £5,000 a year more than we had coming in and dipping into our reserves," he said.

"That could not continue and so the appeal was launched. It has been a great success.

"People come to us in a last, desperate attempt to get help when they are made homeless," said Mr Hughes-Rowlands.

"We do not provide homes, but find properties on behalf of the people who come to us.

"We sort out their money, advise on how to cope with debt - credit cards are the most frequent problem - and ensure they are claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

"We will also represent them in court over housing issues and have found that the judiciary respect and trust us."

CHAS, which was founded in Bradford in the 1960s, has recently expanded its activities into Kirklees, Calderdale and parts of Leeds.

CHAS Housing Aid Centre can be reached on (01274) 726790 or 731909.