A HOMELESS charity helped rough sleepers get involved in the Christmas season by decorating trees at a church in Rayleigh.

The Harp Christmas Tree Festival was hosted at the Holy Trinity Church in the High Street last week and rough sleepers were welcomed to take part in the decorating ahead of the festive season.

A group of kind-hearted volunteers were also on hand to make dozens of knitted figures to decorate the Christmas trees at the event.

Lisa Walton, Harp’s community fundraiser, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for those at Harp that are facing a troubled Christmas to feel part of something special.

“We are thrilled to be involved with such a wonderful event.”

She added that the event goes to show that you do not need your own tree to join in during the Christmas season.

The knitted decorations from the event’s volunteers were also used to decorate Rayleigh’s tree at its annual Christmas lights switch on, which took place on Thursday November 30.

Speaking about the event, Mrs Walton added: “We hope those that are passionate about ending rough sleeping will pay our tree a visit and spare a thought to those less fortunate this Christmas.”

“We are hoping the community will get behind us by donating just £10 to our Christmas Appeal, which will buy so much more than a Christmas meal”.

Harp hope that the event helped to give a boost of morale and self-esteem to the rough sleepers who may feel isolated this Christmas.

To donate £10 to Harp simply text XMAS09 £10 to 70070 or visit www.harpsouthend.org.uk/ for more information.