Nine new long-term homes for those experiencing homelessness have now opened.

The privately rented accommodation in central Folkestone will have an on-site manager and also a support network to help the people living there to move to a more settled way of life

The homes are being provided following a collaboration between Folkestone and Hythe District Council's housing team, Kent’s homeless charity Porchlight and the Rainbow Centre, a Folkestone charity helping those facing deprivation and hardship.

The council is not revealing the location of the nine new homes, but says they are already occupied.

A photo released by the authority shows a communal dining table, and fridges labeled for different rooms.

A FHDC spokeswoman said: "The council’s housing options team has been working successfully over the last two years to secure sustainable housing for clients, in particular those who have been rough sleeping in the district.

"As well as providing long-term accommodation the housing team has worked together with our Community Safety Unit to provide the support services which have tackled some of the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour in certain areas."

In addition, the Rainbow Centre's winter shelter, which provides a warm bed to those sleeping rough through the colder months, is to remain open until the end of June.

Funds for the shelter will comes from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This will be alongside support services from Porchlight Outreach, as part of the Kent Homeless Connect contract, which will continue to work to try and find long-term accommodation for those without homes.

Mary Stredwick of the Rainbow Centre said: "We are delighted and proud to be part of FHDC partnership working with other homeless support agencies to benefit rough sleeping and vulnerably-housed clients who the Rainbow Centre has supported over many years.

"We are particularly grateful that Winter Shelter guests have remained in B&Bs so we can continue working together to find them more permanent housing options thanks to F&HDC funding."

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone