I thought the following might serve as a warning.

My son, who lives in Brighton, went into the city on a rotten rainy day, when he saw a young woman sobbing her heart out.

He went up to her and asked what was wrong. She said she had to find £25 by that afternoon, as the council had a bed and breakfast place for her to stay. So my son, feeling sorry for her, gave her £5.

On his way back from the city centre, lo and behold - you've guessed it - the sorrowful maiden was still there, weeping and begging, tears falling.

My son was so angry he told her in no few words what he thought of her.

Most councils help to pay homeless lodgings. Don't fall for the weeping miss.

-Mrs Whitty, Thurleigh Road, London SW12