A CAMPAIGN to provide shoes for vulnerable and homeless people is being rolled out across the North-East by a shoe firm.

The Caring Soles appeal invites people to donate their unwanted adult shoes to help ensure those in need have warm and waterproof shoes to wear.

With more than 300,000 people in the UK homeless the appeal fills a gap in the provision for them and shoe company Charles Clinkard spotted the chance to help.

Managing director Charles Clinkard said: "Many people today have shoes they don't wear anymore or have hardly worn at all. With a growing focus on preserving the world's resources and reusing and recycling this seemed like a perfect fit.

"We understand our customers and know that they care about people who may have fallen on hard times - usually through no fault of their own.

"As well as those who are actually homeless, there are many more people having to sleep on sofas or in cars, and families having to rely on food banks.

"The Caring Soles appeal is our way of helping to make a real difference by providing one of life's basics to those in need."

The appeal will run until mid-June and people can donate adult shoes at collection points in the Darlington, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Northallerton, Redcar and Teesside Retail Park stores.