A woman who has devoted her life to helping the homeless is to retire next year.

Jenny Backwell joined Brighton Housing Trust in 1981 and became its director three years later.

Then it had only seven members of staff.

Now it has 170 and is one of the most active housing trusts in Britain.

One of its best-known centres is First Base in Brighton.

BHT also has almost 500 homes, many of them providing backing for vulnerable men and women.

It also offers specialist alcohol, drug and mental health services, legal and housing aid services and an immigration legal service.

Ms Backwell has been at the forefront of campaigns and debates on housing, homelessness and social justice for more than 25 years.

She has shaped policies and practice locally and nationally through her knowledge of housing problems.

At one time she was also a Labour member of Brighton Borough Council but decided her work for the homeless came first.

After stepping down from her post in May, she hopes to take part in research, campaigning and consultancy, as well as spending time with her family, including granddaughter Pippa.

Paul Dobson, who chairs the BHT board of management, said: "Anyone who knows Jenny will have been struck by her commitment to the work of the trust and complete dedication.

"Jenny and her staff are very special people, as demonstrated by their achievements and the lead they have given. As for the future, it will be impossible to emulate her strength, vision and passion."

Richard Allen, chairman until 1991, said: "Jenny is one of those people who has been able, by the way in which she has worked and by her integrity, to personify what BHT is about.

"Because of her, the most disadvantaged men and women have been able to benefit from the services of the trust."

Patricia Norman, who chaired the board for much of the Nineties, said: "She is one of those people whose energy, insight and dedication has made a tremendous contribution to solving the manifold problems suffered by homeless people, not only locally but nationally.

"She has inspired staff, the board, funders and Government agencies to give just that bit extra which makes all the difference."