A controversial shelter for recovering drunks and drug addicts will be named after a homeless man who died on the street.

Worthing Churches Homeless Project (WCHP) has christened the new complex Delaney House.

This is in memory of Pat Delaney, who died of hypothermia in Worthing town centre in 2003.

Delaney House, in Selden Road, East Worthing, will be officially opened on Wednesday by the Bishop of Horsham, the Rt Rev Lindsay Urwin, and the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, the Rt Rev Kieran Conry.

Both are patrons of the Churches Homeless Projects, which received £100,000 from Worthing Borough Council towards the £1.8 million 12-bed shelter.

Alison Godfrey, fundraising manager for the WCHP, said: "Pat Delaney might have benefited from this service and it is a fitting tribute to his life."

Tony Chasteauneuf, general manager of the charity, said: "The recovery project is another vital rung on our ladder of support. At the moment we all know there are people living under the influence of drugs and alcohol on our streets.

"We know that people need a roof over their heads while they learn to manage their addictions.

"The project will give people the opportunity they need to make real changes in their lives, an opportunity for a new beginning and a new life.

"The recovery project has been part of our vision for many years.

"Hard work, dedication and commitment from not just our staff and volunteers but from the whole town has convinced funders to make a significant investment in this project.

"I would like to personally express my deep gratitude for the support that we have received."

However, the shelter has been criticised by some neighbours who said they had not been properly consulted.

There were also fears that it would cater for addicts from outside the borough.

Mr Delaney, 73, was found dead in Liverpool Terrace after living on the streets for many years. He was, towards the end of his life as his health failed, subjected to a vicious assault.

He was described as an obstinate, kind and funny man without self-pity.

For the last year or so he slept on the seafront, often unable to move because his feet were in poor condition.

Staff and volunteers at WCHP did their best to continue their care for him by providing him with food, clothing and blankets.

Mr Chasteauneuf said: "Pat never lost hope and nor should we."

The WCHP has three other hostels in Worthing - in Bath Place, Marine Place and Byron Road.