Bradford Day Shelter is extending its opening times for a two-week stint over the Christmas period.

More than 100 homeless people a day are expected to use the shelter near the city centre. It usually opens Sunday to Thursday but this yuletide it is also opening its doors on Fridays and Saturdays.

Staff are appealing for volunteers to cope with the demand, and for donations of socks, blankets, sleeping bags and Christmas food.

Earlier this year the day shelter was awarded £2,400 from Streetsmart, the charity campaign backed by the Telegraph & Argus, which sees restaurant diners adding £1 to their bill to raise cash for organisations helping the homeless.

The money went towards general running costs at the centre, which provides hot meals and clothing for homeless people, as well as a range of training courses and support services.

"We've managed to get enough volunteers for Christmas Day but we need people for the New Year period and those days in between Christmas and New Year," said shelter spokesman Sharon Dalby.

"Last year there were about 140 people here on Christmas Day. We need a strong team of volunteers to help in the kitchen, serve up the meals and help out generally.

"We're holding a Christmas party on December 9, with a buffet and karaoke. Donations of things like Christmas cake or mince pies would be very much appreciated."

The shelter is run by Horton Housing Association. Most people using it are homeless or living in substandard accommodation and many have drug and/or alcohol problems.

It has an education and training unit where people can take courses in things like computers and food hygiene, a substance support team provides counselling and help with treatment programmes and there is advice on benefits and housing.

Project manager Michelle Clark said that as well as providing food and shelter the aim was to build confidence and help people move on.

"All our services are part of an overall package aimed at developing a sense of self-worth and encouraging people to help themselves," she said.

She welcomed Streetsmart: "It's an excellent way of helping out. One pound added on to your bill isn't much but it makes a big difference to places like this - especially at this time of year."

l Anyone wanting to be a volunteer at Bradford Day Shelter or give a donation is asked to ring (01274) 393234.

The restaurants taking part in Streetsmart are: the Aagrah group of restaurants; Bossa Nova, Shipley; Yo yo's cafe bar, Little Germany; the Aakash, Cleckheaton; La Rue, Saltaire; Thai Fever, Shipley; Angelo's, Bradford; Fourth Floor (at Harvey Nichols in Leeds); Art's Bar Cafe, Leeds; Hansa's, Leeds; Mantra, Burley-in-Wharfedale; The Olive Tree, Rodley; and Tandoori Mahal, Leeds.