A day centre supporting homeless young people is preparing to launch a £500,000 appeal for a new centre.

The Clock Tower Sanctuary, based on Dyke Road, Brighton, has provided support and advice to hundreds of 16-25-year-olds since it was formed in 1997.

Last year the centre, which is run by two members of staff and 20 volunteers, received 6,200 visits from clients.

But now the charity wants to buy a new home to ensure they can continue its work.

Nick Wood turned to the group 12 years ago when he first arrived in Brighton.

Mr Wood, 27, said: “The Sanctuary gave me a form of dignity when I had nowhere else to go.

“The volunteers were always willing to listen, there was always food available and I was put under no pressure.

“It was just nice to have some form of normality when everything else was in chaos.

“Thanks to their help I’m now in stable housing and seeking work.”

The voluntary group runs the only day care centre specifically for young homeless people in the city.

The hoped-for building would be twice the size of the current centre and have a washing room, showers and a games room.

The group believes half the money can be secured from specialist grant-giving trusts and foundations.

But for the other £250,000 the group is looking to the local community for help.

Sean Gibson, the chairman of the voluntary group, said: “What we’re trying to do is to secure a premises that we can use in the long-term.

“We operate on a very low budget of £50,000 a year.

“It’s just not possible to fund the work ourselves so we’re asking for support from within the town.

“With the money we’ll be able not only to maintain our current services but expand and develop.”

The In Search Of A Home appeal will be launched at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on June 11.

For more information visit www.theclocktowersanctuary.org.uk or call the centre on 01273 722353.