A night shelter offering respite for the homeless and vulnerable will be open everyday of the week from this Autumn.

The King's Lynn Winter Night Shelter (KLWNS) project began last year, when it opened its doors to those in need for two nights a week from December to March.

It provided a safe, warm place overnight for those who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets or in unsafe accommodation.

The night shelter is the brainchild of King's Lynn Churches Together, who wanted to respond to the steep rise in homeless people in the town.

Following discussion with West Norfolk council, it was agreed that the night shelter will be opened seven nights a week from November through to March.

Andrew Frere-Smith, development worker, believes this will be a real step forward in addressing the needs of rough sleepers next winter.

He added: 'We would love to see homeless people, and especially the rough sleepers, being more effectively cared for.

'We are really grateful to the borough council for their support and the Purfleet Trust.

'It is our hope that soon King's Lynn will be a town where no one has to sleep rough on the streets. I believe that with the support of the community we can make it happen.'

The night shelter will move into the current building of Lynn-based homeless charity the Purfleet Trust, in St Ann's Fort, in November.

The council have committed £25,000 towards the £92,000 needed to fund the project - to pay staff, rent and utilities.

West Norfolk mayor Nick Daubney has also made KLWNS and the Purfleet Trust his charities of the year.

KLWNS is currently advertising for an all year-round full-time night shelter coordinator and will triple the number of volunteers from 40 to 120.

Rev Kevan Crane, KLWNS chairman, said: 'It has been so encouraging to receive such strong support from local Churches, the borough council and mayor's charity, partner organisations and the community.

'Together we are able to meet such an important need in offering a safe shelter for the street homeless in our town.'

For more information, visit: www.churchestogetherkingslynn.com/night-shelter.