A CORONATION Street star has urged people to help avert a crisis at a homeless shelter close to her heart.

Maundy Grange, Abbey Street, Accrington, has just one week's worth of food left.

Before the recession, the shelter regularly received half a tonne of donated food a week.

This was used to provide 60 meals a day at their base and 15 daily food parcels for disadvantaged families.

But bosses said they were now in a ‘desperate’ situation because donations have fallen at a time when the demand for services has increased.

Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, who is a patron of the charity, has urged people to donate urgently.

The actress, who plays Hayley Cropper, is organising a fundraising evening in September.

She has appealed for the public to help keep the shelter going until then.

Julie said: “The work they do is amazing. It is the only place for some people to go for comfort, help and a cup of tea.

“We really need to help them carry on doing that and time is against them right now.

"I would just say to everyone, please, please help by buying a few extra tins in the supermarket.”

Maundy Grange founder Dorothy McGregor said the charity was expecting a windfall come harvest festival, but feared they would not last until then.

She said: “We are nearly completely out of food.

“We are not asking for anything fancy just basic items like tea, coffee, jam, tinned food.

"We are very grateful for anything we receive.”

Donations of funds, pans and food items can be handed in at the shelter at 29-31 Abbey Street; the Maundy Grange charity shop on Abbey Street; or at J&C McCormack Ltd, Warner Street.

For more information on how to help, contact Maundy Relief on 01254 232 328.