Staff at Colchester's Nightshelter need more willing pairs of hands to come and help out.

The 20-bed shelter has had one of its busiest Christmases of recent years and needs more volunteers.

Co-ordinator Pernille Petersen said: "We have been busier than usual and have been almost full all the time.

"There have certainly been times in the past when we have emptied out a bit and people have been able to go home for a couple of days at Christmas."

But she said she could not put her finger on the reason the shelter has been busier this festive season.

Helpers do a range of activities, from cooking and making hot drinks to helping with forms and getting involved in the running of the Alexandra Road centre.

Would be volunteers should contact John Martucci on 01206 549885

Published Thursday January 8, 2004

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