A SUTTON beautician is collecting much-needed items to support homeless people in the street during the autumn and winter.

Sophie Edwards has teamed up with Burnley-based Church on the Street, whose volunteers go out in the Lancashire town at night to help the homeless and other people in need.

Sophie said: "They feed them and pray for them, and are there to talk and give support. Myself, Pastor Mick Fleming and his team will be distributing the boxes in December.

"I came up with the idea of people making a box with items of the homeless, to provide some warmth and show love and support – show them they are being thought of.

"These guys are desperate. There are no night shelters in Burnley and I feel the least we can do is use the resources we so easily have access to, to provide them with something over the Christmas period.

"The appeal has already had so much response – I am confident I am also going to be able to help many other people local to me and in the Bradford area."

Suitable items include cleansing wipes, bustling, combs, water bottles, protein bars, socks, hats, gloves and scarves, hand warmers, boiled sweets, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, toothbrushes and toothpaste."

Sophie added: "The idea is 25 items for the Advent but anything is greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone can donate sleeping bags or a helping hand this will be massively appreciated!"

Sophie will begin collecting the end of November, and has arranged drop-off pointsincluding Eastburn General Stores, the Silsden co-op, and the filling station in Nelson.

Alternatively, people can contact Sophie on 07895 115651 to arrange collection.

Church on the Street also plans to host a Christmas dinner at its own church in Gannow Community Centre, Burnley.