A CALL has gone out in Thurrock for volunteers to help run a night shelter through the remainder of the winter.

The shelter is being hosted by churches in Grays and with sufficient volunteers will be running seven nights a week until the last week in March.

The next training session for those interested in volunteering for the Night Shelter is 7pm on Monday, 10 February at Christ City Church which is on the second floor of Crown House in Grays.

A spokesperson for the churches group said: "Can you spare a few hours every week to volunteer at the night shelter? Can you cook or help with laundry? Come along and find out what it involves and see if it is something you could help and support!"

An appeal is also being made for donations, particularly of items such as single duvets (new or used but washed and in good condition), single flat sheets and duvet covers, pillows and pillow cases and canned food such as tinned tomatoes, vegetables and beans."

Business owners are also being asked: "Do you own a restaurant or takeaway? Could you donate a meal to our guests once a week?"