A Norfolk homelessness charity has told people how best to help those in need this Christmas.

Emmaus is a charity that provides shelter, work opportunities and support to homeless people in Norfolk and Waveney.

Its director, Cecile-Aimee Roberts, said this morning that more people than ever will be facing an uncertain Christmas amid the cost-of-living crisis - and that the best way to help is to get talking.

She said: "Christmas is always a difficult time at Emmaus – it’s a joyous time to be together and to celebrate.

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"But at the same time people have their life stories and they’re reminded that maybe they’re not with family or maybe things haven’t turned out quite the way they’d like.

“The first thing you could do is just strike up a conversation and treat somebody like a human being.

"Ask them what is it they need -  and that person might need a hot drink, or they might need something to eat.

“You might say ‘are you cold? Will you be here tomorrow? I could bring you a scarf or something to eat’."

She added that it does not matter if "all you have is a fiver" because even that can be a quick fix. 

The guidance comes as national charities warn 300,000 people will spend this Christmas on the streets, in a hotel, a hostel or sofa surfing.