Homeless charity desperately needs more volunteers this Christmas

A charity that supports homeless and vulnerable people in Bristol says it desperately needs more volunteers this winter.

Caring at Christmas wants to give hundreds of people a hot meal and a place to sleep between Christmas and New Year. But to make it happen, the charity is looking for about three hundred more good samaritans.

One of the people already signed up for the Christmas shifts is Philip Horgan. This is his fourth year of volunteering, and he says giving others a decent meal and a safe place to sleep can be the greatest gift of all.

From December 24th to New Years Day, Caring at Christmas will become a sanctuary for 250 homeless and vulnerable people every day

As well as hot meals, the charity provides a safe place to sleep Credit: ITV West Country

The charity will serve three meals a day, including a nutritious, hot dinner. But its about so much more than bed and board.

Phil plans the meals and will be in every day over Christmas. Credit: ITV West Country

Feeding so many people takes organisation, and head chef Phil is the man with the plan.

He'll get through 500 litres of custard and more than a hundred tins of mixed beans. But the key ingredient is people.

Volunteers at a briefing. Credit: ITV West Country

Volunteers come from all over the west country - bringing some christmas sparkle to what for some can be the darkest time of year.

You can watch the full report below. Lise McNally spoke to volunteer Philip Horgan, and head chef, Phil Summerhayes: