Three new hubs for homeless people to open

Councillors and staff from Emmaus North East and Depaul UK at the opening a new hub

Hubs providing 32 beds for people who have been sleeping rough are to open after getting government funding.

A facility in Bishop Auckland has already opened its doors, with two other centres planned in Tow Law and Spennymoor, in County Durham.

Durham County Council said it was working with Emmaus North East to help adults over 25 years old and Depaul UK, which is giving support to younger people.

Ruth Parker, chief executive of Emmaus, described the project as "a major milestone" to respond to a "national crisis".

In addition to accommodation, dedicated support will also be provided to those wanting to live more independently, the council said.

Dan Dumoulin, Depaul UK's director of development and external affairs, said: "We are dedicated to working tirelessly with our partners until every person has a safe place to call home."