GENEROUS people in Preston and South Ribble are being called on to spare not just a thought for the homeless this Christmas.

The city's night shelter is appealing for donations to their festive fare as well.

The Fox Street centre holds a Christmas dinner every year for up to 40 people, many of whom would have nowhere else to go.

It relies largely on charity and the meal is made up of contributions from members of the public, but this year donations have been slow and they are desperately short of turkey.

Manager Steve McGougan said: "It has been quite slow this year. We are in need of turkeys in a big way." He said Christmas can be a heartbreaking time for the homeless, and staff and volunteers at the centre, just off Fishergate, do everything they can to give them a proper celebration.

Steve said: "The whole of the Christmas period can be a very big down time. They start going through the shopping mall and hear the music, but can't afford to buy the gifts.

"We try to make it as close to a family Christmas as we can."

After a three course meal with soup and turkey, followed by mince pies and cream, the residents are given a shoe box full of toiletries, and a special gift from donations. The shelter has now been open non-stop for 13 years, relying on nothing but housing benefits and charity to stay open.

Harry Hobbs, chairman, said: "Some stay a few nights and others a year or so before feeling confident to move on. But it all costs money -- about £13 every hour."

So while families celebrate the festive season across the area this year, spare a thought for the residents of the Fox Street Shelter.

To donate a gift, be it turkey, toiletries, or a cash donation to help with running costs, pop into the centre in Fox Street, Preston, or call 01772 882859.