A HOMELESS charity has launched a Christmas appeal to serve 1,000 festive dinners to those in need.

Southend charity Harp has kicked off its Christmas Meal Appeal with a request for £10 donation in order to beat the 700 Christmas dinners the charity served to the lonely, vulnerable and homeless last year.

This Christmas, Harp hopes to raise £10,000 to provide meals at its purposebuilt Bradbury Centre, in York Road, Southend, which provides emergency accommodation with 18 rooms, a day centre and training facilities, under one roof.

The Leigh-based choir 4&20 Blackbirds, accompanied by guitarist Ben Evewill launch the appeal at a candle- it cheese and wine supper on Friday, at St Augustine’s Church, Thorpe Bay.

The Rev Jonathan Collis has agreed to host the festive supper.

He said: “We are delighted to open the church for this event in support of Harp’s worthy work, especially at this time of year when their work with the homeless is so vital.”

Maria Nayler, leader of the choir, which has performed at Leigh Regatta and the Village Green said: “It’s important to give comfort to the homeless who haven’t got what some of us take for granted at Christmas.”

The Bradbury Centre is the only emergency accommodation available in Southend where a hot meal and washing facilities are provided for those who have nowhere else to go. Staff offer support and advice on all aspects of homelessness to help people get back on their feet.

Gill Garwood, chief executive of Harp, said the charity’s mission is to end rough sleeping in Southend within four years.

She added: “Nobody should be alone on the streets at Christmas.”

To make a £10 donation, visit harpsouthend.org.uk or text HOME43 followed by £10 to 70070 or send a cheque made payable to HARP to HARP 4th Floor, Dencora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend SS1 2BB.

Candle-lit supper tickets cost £20 and are available on line or call 01702 415834.