Yorkshire Building Society in Ilkley is thanking staff and customers who helped to raise more than half a million pounds for young homeless people.

The Ilkley branch has raised £455 towards the national total since the launch in 2017 of the building society’s charity partnership with End Youth Homelessness.

The £500,000 raised by the society funds the Rent Deposit Scheme. This joint project with EYH helps private landlords to fill vacant properties quickly and free of charge. To date the scheme has assisted 180 young people into their own rented homes.

To support them in their new home, young people will also benefit from dedicated support and financial advice in building the life skills and confidence they need to move on to lead successful and independent lives.

Every year EYH member charities work directly with more than 30,000 vulnerable and homeless young people aged 16-25 across the UK.