A charity which gives homeless youngsters a bed for the night has commissioned a rap song to raise awareness of its work across the district.

Bradford Nightstop paid for it with cash it was awarded from the Telegraph & Argus's parent company Gannett.

Charity chiefs asked Bradford musician Philip Charles to come up with the rap based on two moving poems written by young people it had helped keep off the streets.

Bradford Nightstop co-ordinator Bev Johnson now hopes to get the song played on air and will take it with her to schools, youth groups and community centres to help spread the word about its good work.

The charity has used the rest of its £900 from Gannett's Charity Foundation to try and attract more multi-cultural volunteers from the city especially from the Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities.

A computer programme has been bought to help produce leaflets with impressive artwork encouraging more hosts from ethnic backgrounds to come forward.

And at the charity's annual meeting next month they will be handing out multi-cultural supplies to hosts to help make any ethnic minority guests feel more at home.

The supplies will include prayer mats, toilet jugs, special moisturisers and shampoos.

Over the past 12 months Bradford Nightstop has seen an increase in the number of young people from different ethnic backgrounds, but predominantly Asian, seeking its help.

So far this year the charity has had almost 500 referrals for beds, beating last year's total figure of 494. The charity is in constant demand but has only 10 host families providing beds which means it desperately needs more.

Mrs Johnson said: "The Gannett money has made a big difference to us. It's helping us spread the word and reach more people.

"I'd really encourage other charities to apply."

Anyone wanting to find out how to help Bradford Nightstop or to become a host volunteer, should telephone (01274) 776888.

Community groups wanting to be part of the Gannett Foundation's next round of awards have until Friday, October 1 to put in their bid.

Charities can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000.

Since the Foundation was established in Britain three years ago, it has given grants totalling almost £2.5m.

It provides support for projects which take a creative approach to issues including education, neighbourhood improvements, youth development, cultural enrichment and support for disadvantaged people.