A Preston estate agency is collecting donations of warm clothing for a homelessness charity to give to people sleeping on the streets this winter.

Drop off points are available at Roberts and Co offices in Penwortham and Lostock Hall in Preston for people to donate new and second-hand jumpers, hats, and gloves as well as new socks and underwear in the run up to Christmas.

Everything collected will be distributed by homelessness charity, Emmaus, which provides accommodation, support and meaningful work in social enterprises for more than 50 people in Lancashire. This is mainly funded through the sale of second-hand and new household goods at three charity superstores in the city.

Managing Director of Roberts and Co, Emma Roberts, said: “People are given a hand up and not a handout, with supported work opportunities and training as well as accommodation. We want to help Emmaus Preston reach out to people living on the streets this winter and hope people will take part in our Winter Warm Up Appeal by dropping off new and second-hand clothing to our office collection points.”

As part of the estate agent’s drive to support Emmaus Preston this year, they have generously pledged a share of housing sales, raising a total of £1,390 to date. Earlier in the year, Roberts and Co also held free information sessions at the charity, providing tenancy advice for when people supported at Emmaus are ready to move on.