THE Citizen took on the might of the News of the World this week and won some extra cash for the homeless of Lancaster.

Cap'n Cash - the national newspaper hero who "gives to the needy and bashes the greedy" - promised the Homeless and Housing Action Centre £100 last December for the Christmas shelter.

But due to an error the cheque never arrived so our reporters called the captain for a chat.

And as a result not only is £100 in the post but the News of the World team is now considering a feature on the charity and donating even more money for this year's effort!

"The Citizen have done it again!" said charity worker Tony Hennessy. "We're really grateful to both newspapers - we need it this year more than ever. Our Christmas shelter is usually at Our Lady's High school but this year it looks like there might be nowhere for them to go."

A spokesman from the News of the World said: "We are really grateful to you for bringing this to our attention. I can assure you the money for last year will be sent straight away and we will do what we can to support them this year as well. Reporters will be contacting Tony about the charity appearing in Cap'n Cash once again." But Tony and the team at the Edward Street Centre know the most important issue is to find a place for this year's Christmas shelter. There's still a chance that Our Lady's will be available but, if it isn't, the homeless will have to stay on the street for Christmas and the Millennium celebrations.

Tony explained that a building would have to have space for 30 bunk beds, a lounge room, a kitchen area, storage space for food and clothes, two male and female toilets and a room to accommodate bunk beds for two male and female volunteers - preferably with a view over the bunk bed room for the homeless.

"Obviously it's going to be difficult to find a place that can accommodate all that," admitted Tony. "We want this year to be the best ever and want it to last from December 24 to January 3. Normally we only have it for five days."

Headmaster of Our Lady's, Michael Webster, explained: "We are hoping that we can help them out but the area they normally use is currently a building site. We have yet to make a decision. I would like to convey that we fully support what is a really worthwhile cause and still have collections of tins and blankets."

If you can help out the team at the Homeless and Housing Action Centre call them on (01524) 842008.

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