COMEDIAN Steve Coogan has spoken out about the homeless crisis.

The Alan Partridge star was speaking at a charity event in support of Lewes-based Homelink which helps secure tenancies for homeless people at Glyndebourne on Sunday evening.

Mr Coogan, who lives in Halland near Lewes, said: “It’s not surprising that expensive Sussex has higher levels of homelessness than other parts of the country.

"In London, rents and deposits are even further out of reach, meaning people migrate to seaside towns like Brighton and then move on to Eastbourne, Littlehampton and Hastings, greatly adding to the housing crisis facing these councils.

"The answer is more affordable housing but until that is available, prevention of ultimate homelessness is key.”

Eddie Izzard, who also performed, said: “Donations from new supporters will fund interest-free loans to cover advance rent and landlords’ deposits again and again in an ongoing, renewable cycle of giving, because beneficiaries’ repayments are loaned straight back out to start the tenancies of new applicants.

"Homelink offers a sustainable response to the homeless crisis. Funds raised aren’t just spent once, but help people in need indefinitely.”