An MP has praised a charity for its "vital" work to support vulnerable people in the community.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi visited Emmaus Bolton to learn more about its work to help people who have been homeless or are at risk.

The charity provides a home, support, training, and work opportunities and generates income from second-hand shops and services which involve taking in and reusing donated goods.

Ms Qureshi toured the social enterprises off Fletcher Street including the charity's wood workshops.

Here, she met Simon, who is developing skills in making furniture.

Simon, who is supported by the charity, said: "It is great we were acknowledged by the MP in Bolton and that she has come to see what we do.

"It is nice how she met the lads and was very friendly and welcoming."

Ms Qureshi also met volunteers Hazel and Sokha, who were making draught excluders at Emmaus Bolton's recycling centre.

The charity distributed these last winter to help people in fuel poverty.

Ms Qureshi said: "It’s always a pleasure to visit Emmaus Bolton and see firsthand the vital work that Tony and the team do.

"Alongside supporting the homeless, Emmaus go above and beyond for the community, whether it’s providing low-cost furniture or white goods for those in need, building ‘Buddi Benches’ for local schools, or providing food for those who are struggling.

"We should all be proud of the incredible work Emmaus Bolton has done for the community in the last 19 years.

"I will do all that I can to continue supporting them and their causes."

Emmaus Bolton was self-built by the charity's members when it opened in 2005.

The charity has recently expanded with the opening of a food pantry on-site to serve people in need.

Tony Stephenson, chief executive officer of Emmaus Bolton, said: "We were delighted to welcome MP Yasmin Qureshi to our Emmaus community to see Emmaus Bolton’s solution to homelessness and how we are reducing the number of unwanted items going to landfill at our recycling centre.

"We look forward to working more closely with Yasmin in future and her continued support of our homelessness charity."

For more information about Emmaus Bolton and how to get involved, visit emmaus.org.uk/bolton/support-us/.