A Bolton homelessness organisation is appealing to kind hearted people to donate coats to help the most vulnerable this winter.

Homeless Aid UK is appealing for residents across the borough to donate clean and good condition large or extra large mens coats and jeans so homeless people in Bolton can keep warm this winter.

Billa Ahmed, Homeless Aid UK’s co-founder, said he sees homeless people turn up at his soup kitchens without a coat soaked to the skin and he needs the support to help them keep warm.

He said: "As temperatures plunge and the weather gets worse, life becomes harder for our homeless friends.

"We have to care for those living in poverty of which many of those are in a situation where they need to choose the position whether to heat or eat.

"As our weather worsens, we see the number of people attend our outreach projects and street kitchens, absolutely soaked to the skin.

"Many don't have coats, those who do, their coats are not suitable for the recent downpours we have been having.

"Our homeless friends have no choice except to spend day and night absolutely drenched.

"Sadly they have no spare clothes of facilities to dry their clothes.

"So many more people are ending up on the streets for many reasons, especially due to the cost of living crisis.

"We want to be able to provide them with the correct clothing.

"They are out there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it's normal for them to have walked ten miles a day. 

"Every year around this time we put a shout out for double layered waterproof winter coats.

"This year, perhaps due to everyone feeling the pinch, we haven’t had many men’s coats donated.

"Most of our homeless friend's wear a size large so they can layer up.

"We are looking for size large mens winter coats – we do not need any other sizes.

"We have a good stock of ladies winter coats and all other clothing items. 

"If you have a coat just taking up space in the back of your wardrobe, or hidden in the cloakroom, please donate to Homeless Aid UK, it could make a potentially life-saving difference to someone in need.

"We also need mens jeans Sizes 28, 30 and 32 and medium/large jogging bottoms."

To help call 0800 124 4641 for the drop off location and times.