SEVEN Ipswich churches have drawn up a rota to offer those sleeping rough a warm place to stay at night during the winter months.

The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter was launched last year with more than 300 volunteers giving up their time to offer a helping hand.

The scheme helped to ensure homeless people were given shelter during the harsh and treacherous conditions.

Seven churches in the town are set to provide accommodation for up to 12 homeless people and food between December 5 and March 3.

Reverend Paul Daltry, who is heading up the scheme, said it was great to see the project coming together for another year.

n Monday nights – The Salvation Army in Bramford Road, Ipswich.

n Tuesday nights – St Mary at Stoke in Belstead Road.

n Wednesday nights – Ipswich International Church, Barrack Corner.

n Thursday nights – Christ Church and St Pancras in Tacket Street.

n Friday nights – Burlington Road Baptist Church, London Road.

n Saturday nights – Holy Trinity, Back Hamlet

n Sunday nights – Hope Church, Fore Hamlet.

Rev Daltry said: “We know doing it at Christmas isn’t enough and that people always need support, but we are pleased to be able to do this during the colder months.

“We are running for a longer period of time than last year because it is still cold come March.

“Last year we had more than 38 different individuals come in and use the beds. We had more than 300 volunteers too and they were really amazing.”

More information will be available online in the coming weeks at www.iwns.org.uk