Warm welcome to new city charity

Acharity aiming to provide warm clothing for the homeless could not have picked a better week to start up.

As the UK recorded its lowest temperatures this century, Take One Leave One Sunderland opened its doors to the public.

The Met Office this week recorded a low of -23C in the Scottish town of Braemar, believed to be the lowest temperature since December 1995.

Admittedly Wearside was nowhere near that bitter reading, but the snowfall and biting winds of this week has seen temperatures dipping below zero across the city. And the cold snap is set to linger.

All of which makes it the perfect time for this new charity to bring a little cheer into the lives of those forced to live on the streets.

Organiser Iain Lane explains today why he decided to set it up and what the public can do to help the vulnerable.

He said: "I wanted to spend time doing something that would fill the days and help people, but also raise awareness about the issue of homelessness. People sleeping rough in the UK is something that has always bothered me. We’re one of the richest countries in the world yet there are still people living on the streets.”

Iain is hoping people can donate unwanted coats, hats, scarfs and gloves which the charity will then pass on.

The snow may make for picture-perfect scenes in our city, but when you see those images, spare a thought for those living rough … and donate to Take One Leave One, if you can.