A scheme that helps homeless people has won a £400 grant to acquire an allotment.

Worthing Churches Homeless Projects (WCHP) got the cash from the Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care NHS Trust so staff and hostel residents can grow vegetables in the summer.

A spokesman said: "The trust was concerned about health inequalities and the allotment project offers health benefits on many fronts."

The project is also concerned that people living on the streets do not have a change of clothes and is appealing for donations of new boxer shorts, socks, jeans, jogging pants, T-shirts, waterproof tops, sweaters, fleeces, sweatshirts, shoes (especially trainers), towels, blankets, toiletries and paperback books.

The spokesman said: "Some of the foot problems homeless people have are directly related to being unable to change shoes and socks.

"Other health problems can be made worse by sitting around in wet clothes.

"St Clare's day centre in Marine Place now provides the opportunity for local homeless people to have a shower, wash and dry their clothes and have a cooked breakfast.

"They get a fried egg, bacon, two sausages and beans and help themselves to orange juice, bread and butter, toast, marmalade and jam.

"There is plenty of tea or coffee. People seem very appreciative and some make a small donation."

"WCHP provides soap, shampoo and towels and we keep a stock of donated clothes. A chiropodist gives her services free once a month.

"Between 30 and 40 homeless and vulnerable people use the day centre every weekday morning.

"From there they can begin to access other services and rebuild their lives."

The WCHP is appealing for people to sponsor breakfasts, which cost 60p per person per day, £24 a day for everyone, or £120 a week.

On January 26, staff, volunteers and trustees will be sleeping rough for a night to raise cash.

Sponsorship forms are available from 5 Bryon Road, 2 Manor Road or St Clare's.