A CHARITY that provides for the needy and destitute has heard it could be homeless just days after recruiting a soapstar to spearhead its work.

Maundy Relief, which provides basic but vital services to Hyndburn's homeless and poverty stricken, recruited Coronation Street's Julie Hesmondalgh as its patron last week.

But the good news that the actress, from Church, would help promote the charity was followed by news that the charity itself could become homeless.

The headquarters for the charity is based in two neighbouring buildings, Maundy Grange, in Abbey Street, which are rented from separate private owners.

But both venues are being put up for sale and the charity cannot afford to buy them as the joint price would be £80,000.

Dorothy McGregor and the volunteers hope that the Keighley-based Ecological Building Society, which purchases unusual properties that are not listed buildings so they cannot be altered, will consider buying both buildings.

If not, alternative premises will have to be sought.

Dorothy, manager and trustee of Maundy Relief, said: "The owners have been wonderful since we moved in and have offered the buildings to us first. But we simply cannot afford to buy them.

"One of the buildings is very unusual and still has the original stone steps from 1795 so the Ecological Building Society is interested in buying that one and we could rent it from them. But we need both buildings if we are to continue.

"If we cannot gain both venues then we will have to search for new premises as it would be impossible to operate from just one building.

"Bringing Julie in has come at just the right time, as we urgently need to raise our profile if we are to continue.

"Julie is just the sort of person we need to be the face of the charity as she is a down to earth, no nonsense sort of person.

"It is really great that she is with us and, hopefully, her support will help us in our time of need."

The charity, run by a team of 34 volunteers from throughout East Lancashire, was set up in May 1999 and provides food, bedding, small grants and other basic needs to people in Hyndburn on a 24-hour seven-days-a-week basis.

The current site also has facilities for professional counselling and provides for anyone who needs help no matter what religion, race or sex they are.

Julie Hesmondalgh who plays the street's transsexual Hayley Cropper is set to visit the site, which helps around 600 people every week, in the next few weeks when she is able to break from her busy schedule.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the charity or would like to help can call into Maundy Grange at 29-31 Abbey Street or telephone 01254 232328.