VOLUNTEERS who brave the cold winter nights and feed the homeless have been given a £2,500 donation to hire a van.

Blackburn-based Community Spirit received the donation from Winfield Outdoors in Haslingden and used it to rent a large van to carry their meals.

The group had put out an appeal through the Lancashire Telegraph last week calling for donations to fund a larger vehicle, as the group previously used the chairman's car to deliver hot meals and supplies.

Neil Mistry, the group's chairman, said the money will fund the van for the remainder of winter.

He said: "We are blown away with the amazing donation of £2,500 from Winfield Outdoors, and the support from Intack Self Drive."

Janine Winfield, from Winfield Outdoors, said: "When I learned that Community Spirit were trying to raise money for a larger van to accommodate everything necessary for the colder months, I knew we had to help by making a donation to pay for the hire of a van for the duration of winter.

"As well as donating warm clothing we intend to look at what else our company can do to help Community Spirit in the future."