Representatives of the York based charity, Arc Light, attended services at a Ryedale church in January – and came away with cheques and donations totalling nearly £1,000.

A cheque for £735.00, from various donations, was handed over by Fr Tim Bywater of St Leonard and St Mary’s RC Church, Malton, to Jeremy Jones, Director of the charity which he helped to co-found with the Rev Paul Wordsworth of York more than 11 years ago. Parishioners also gave money as they left the church including Celine Longworth, five, who has been saving up money for the organisation which has provided more than 143,000 bed nights since it started. ‘It is not a statistic that thrills me’ said Mr Jones. ‘We are still here and still working but I hope one day to bring an end to rough sleeping and street homelessness.’

He was joined at the Sunday Mass by Peter Cobbold, a trustee, who started volunteering in the kitchens, and Ginette Cobbold, the charity’s volunteer co-ordinator. The parishioners heard that the organisation does not just provide beds and food but is increasingly organising various courses to support those who seek its help to rebuild their lives and find an interest and skills, including current affairs, arts and crafts and IT. There is also, for example, a film club and a hair and beauty group. The organisation would like to start new activities but needs more volunteers to help it.

Mr Jones said the money donated from the church would go towards developing such activities. ‘Our links with St Leonard’s go back many years so we would like to thank you for all the donations’ he said.

Fr Tim said ‘The Church is at its most relevant when people’s lives are damaged or in crisis, and it is an essential element of our faith that inspires us to go to the help of people in need.’