HOMELESSNESS in Chorley is to be recognised at an annual church service this weekend.

The Chorley branch of Help the Homeless, is marking Homelessness Sunday by joining thousands of churches across the country in raising awareness of the issue.

The service at Eccleston Methodist Church on Sunday January 25 at 3pm, will be the eighth the group has held -- and this year's theme is entitled Building Justice - Yes we can!

Edith Crook, honorary president of Chorley Help the Homeless, says the service will be a special occasion.

She said: "We have a number of readings and prayers said at the service by numerous people, including those who are homeless or have been in the past.

"Our MP Lindsay Hoyle will also be saying a few words."

Mrs Crook is one of the founders of the group, whose office is in Clifford Street. The charity helps inspect prospective property for homeless people. In the past year it has helped to find 50 people accommodation in hostels.

She said: "We do a lot to help homeless people in Chorley by working alongside social services and Chorley Borough Council. Every year we help around 75-100 people to set up home by providing them with things like cutlery and bedding."

As well as helping to organise the service, Mrs Crook also runs the Help the Homeless shop in Bolton Street, Chorley. She says she is especially grateful to those who donate items to the shop.

She said: "Recently St Joseph's Guides donated an abundance of items, including toys, cakes and toothbrushes, and I just want to thank them for all their help."

The charity shop is currently looking for more volunteers. If you are interested contact 01257 452771.