A vital Southend homelessness charity is set unveil its newest "boutique" charity shop in time for Christmas.

Harp, the leading charity which provides essential services to those trying to overcome homelessness, will be opening the new store in London Road, Leigh, on Monday morning, ahead of the holidays.

The doors will open to shoppers at 9.30am with a range of "fantastic finds at affordable prices" on offer to support the Southend-based charity.

A Harp spokesman shared: "Exciting news, Leigh community!

"Join us as we unveil our new Harp Boutique Charity Shop at 1510 London Road on December 18, doors opening at 9:30am.

"Discover a selection of fantastic finds at affordable prices. Can't make it on opening day? No worries! We're accepting donations all week. Clean out your closet and support a great cause!"

This comes as the charity highlighted the importance of its lifeline winter shelter in the old Gainsborough Carpets warehouse, in Chalkwell, for rough sleepers in the borough over the festive season. 

The number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Southend rose to 16 for the annual count in March - an increase from 10 in 2021.

Harp provides housing for up to 264 people who might otherwise be sleeping on the streets in the city.