CORONATION Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh has renewed her appeal for people to support a charity which helps Hyndburn's homeless and poverty stricken.

The actress, patron of the Maundy Relief registered charity in Abbey Street, Accrington, said donations had fallen during the summer holidays and they were desperate for food to make up food parcels.

Julie, from Church, who plays Hayley Cropper in the ITV soap, said: "They are really struggling for food to put in food parcels because a lot of people are away on holiday. In the last few weeks with the hot weather there have been less donations, but local people are still in need.

"Of course they always need cash donations, but the worry at the moment is the lack of food, especially tinned products."

The Hyndburn-born actress has been involved with the charity, run by Dorothy McGregor, since April last year and has nominated it for our Pride of East Lancashire 'Best Community Group Award'.

Set up in May 1999, Maundy Relief is run by a team of volunteers from across East Lancashire and supplies food, bedding, small grants and other basic needs to people in Hyndburn on a 24-hour seven-days-a-week basis.

The site, which also has facilities for professional counselling, helps around 600 people every week.

Earlier this year Julie hosted 'Roy and Hayley's Posh Do' at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, which raised more than £8,000 to pay the rent for the coming year. A big fashion show and auction to raise further funds is planned for later this year.