SHOES donated to a charity appeal are to be distributed to homeless people across the region ahead of winter.

More than 500 pairs of men's and women's shoes will be given out at the annual In Out of the Cold event in Middlesbrough.

People have generously donated to shoe retailer Charles Clinkard's Caring Soles appeal.

The company asked customers for donations of nearly new shoes for homeless people and said they were 'overwhelmed' by the response.

Debra Wood, manager of the Darlington store, said: “As always our big-hearted customers stepped up to help those less well-off and donated hundreds of pairs of shoes, many new or hardly worn.

“It is comforting to think that at the very least they will have dry, warm feet in the winter months and we’d like to thank everyone who went out of their way to drop off shoes for the Caring Soles appeal.”

Event organiser, Middlesbrough Council Independent Living worker, Paul Robinson, said: “In Out of the Cold is co-ordinated by Middlesbrough Council but made possible due to generous donations from the public and firms like Charles Clinkard.”

Those at the In out of the Cold initiative are also asking people to wrap a shoe box in festive paper and then fill with items suitable for homeless people, such as hats and scarves, socks, soap and shower gel roll on deodorant, wipes, long-life snack bars tooth brushes and tooth paste, tissues and sanitary items (no razors please).

Anyone who can supply a shoe box is asked to deliver them to New Walk CIC, 24 Park Road North, TS1 3LF, no later than Friday, Dec 6.

The event takes place on December 10 at Middlesbrough Town Hall from 1pm to 3pm. There will also be hot food, live music and advice and information.

For more info contact Paul on 07970 271819 or Tina on 07490 156865. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help should contact Paul on Paul_Robinson@middlesbrough.gov.uk.