Father Alan Sharpe has given refuge to thousands of people

St Patrick's Shelter in Hove came about after Father Alan Sharpe let two people stay in the church one winter evening.

They came back the next night, bringing others with them. Since then thousands have stayed at the 50-bed hostel.

On Friday, the refuge is holding a special sleepover and a candle will be lit to represent each person helped.

'Rock bottom'

Homelessness is still a big problem in Brighton with the refuge full every night.

Father Alan Sharpe said it all started one evening out of pure chance.

"There were two people at the back of the church with nowhere to stay so I let them stay for some reason but I don't know why," he said.

"Of course I didn't think they were still homeless the next day and they came back which wasn't so good. The day after that they brought their friends so that's how it started."

A large partition was put halfway up the aisle and converted into the shelter.

It has been a lifeline to one man, known as David, who first arrived two years ago with a drink and drugs problem but has since sorted his life out and is getting a job.

He said: "Without St Patrick's I don't know where I'd be.

"It really does help you when you hit rock-bottom, because they give you space and time to address your problems."