The Christmas spirit is well and truly alive in the borough when a rough sleeper was helped by the community.

The man had been seen sleeping in a shelter at Westhoughton Train Station this week, with nearby residents concerned for his wellbeing.

Westhoughton town councillor, Gillian Wroe, alerted police to say she was concerned for him. 

Police officers gave him a lift to an appointment with Bolton's housing team and directed him to the Salvation Army for additional support.

Gillian said: “When I was at Westhoughton Station, waiting for the train to Bolton, I noticed a man in the shelter on the Wigan platform. He was there on Monday too.

“A young man, whose name I didn’t get, said he was there yesterday and was worried about him. The man appeared to be sleeping. I contacted the police and said we were concerned.

“Thank you to everyone who showed concern for someone in need.” 

A local charity that works with homeless people says more needs to be done, as it is seeing an increased number of people in temporary accommodation.