A group of charities have raised thousands of pounds to keep a city homeless centre open three nights a week over the winter months.

The �7,000 will mean hot meals at the Padley Centre in Derby for homeless people from Christmas until March.

The money was raised by a coalition of groups, including the London-based Crisis Fund, local churches and the Make It Count Appeal.

Padley Group chief executive Richard Jones says it is vital during cold winter nights.

Homeless death

The centre on Beckett Street in Derby will be open on Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday nights with free hot meals available for anyone who needs one.

In early December, Larry Shaw, who is thought to have been homeless, was found dead on Beckett Street.

Since his death, Derbyshire Housing Aid has opened another homeless refuge at Glad Tidings Hall on Boyer Street in the city.

That venture was made possible with money from the city council and other charities.