A selfless Dover couple are appealing for people to help provide a shelter and food for the homeless on Christmas Eve.

Karen Drayner of Vancouver Road, and partner Russ Hewitt have called the event Cold Hands, Warm Heart and want to put the less fortunate first this Christmas.

The couple will take over from the current volunteers at the soup kitchen in Russell Street, who feed around 30 people a night.

They will provide a hot meal for the homeless on Christmas Eve and Christmas breakfast on Christmas morning.

They would like residents to donate items such as soups, toothpaste, blankets and soap to the cause which aims to get the homeless off the streets for just one night.

Ms Drayner said: “We would love it if someone would donate a building for the night, if they could, so we are dry and warm and people can sleep under cover for just one night.”

They hope that someone will come forward and offer a venue at least a week before Christmas, if not, the evening will be held outside.

Ideally the couple would like to offer the homeless a shelter for the night.

She told the Mercury: “We were talking about doing this as its something we have both wanted to do.

“Russ likes to help people and is a family guy and I have always worked in the care profession, so its important to us to let others know, who have so much less than us, that they are thought about at Christmas time.

“We want to be able to provide a hot meal, a blanket or two and a bag with essentials to help them on their way, I know it’s only a small thing but it’s something. I hope all the people in Dover will help.”

Any donations are welcomed. For more information, message Karen Drayner on Facebook or call her on 07597100599.