Churches across Brighton and Hove have had to turn away volunteers for a night shelter project after being inundated with offers of help.

The Brighton and Hove churches night shelter scheme that is being co-ordinated by St Peter’s church, Brighton, has had support from over 275 volunteers wanting to get involved.

The pilot project was launched after the closure of St Patrick’s night shelter and is offering 15 beds a night to rough sleepers at churches right across the city throughout February and March.

Becky Atkins, Project Co-ordinator, said: “Most volunteers are linked in with a church but there has been interest from others in the local community which is fantastic.”

Each church has 15-20 volunteers helping every night which offers an evening meal, a bed and breakfast in a warm, safe and friendly environment.

Eight churches are involved with the project. Guests are being referred from Antifreeze, First Base, Rough Sleepers Team and Sussex Central YMCA.

Volunteering has not been the only way to get involved with the scheme and donations have also been received from people wanting to help out in other ways.

Jonny Gumbell, Curate at St Peter’s Church, Brighton said: “Local charities and organisations who already work with the homeless have been supportive and encouraging, as have the staff from St Patrick’s night shelter.”

The night shelter scheme is hosted by a different church every night in a set pattern encouraging a good continuity of guests coming back night after night.

The following churches will be hosting the night shelter: Mondays- Church of Christ the King, New England Street.

Tuesdays- Sacred Heart Hove, Norton Road. (February only)

St Josephs, Wellington Road.(March only)

Wednesdays- One Church Brighton, Gloucester Place.

Thursdays- All Saints Hove, The Drive.

Fridays- St Andrews Hove, Church Road.

Saturdays- St Peter’s Brighton, York Place.

Sundays- Church on the Rock, St Mary's Hall.