A charity for the homeless fears it could have to close after it was taken to court over a massive photocopying bill.

Hastings Community Housing Association has been ordered to appear at the High Court after it was landed with a £100,000 writ from a leasing company.

Basingstoke-based BNP Paribas Lease Group PLC has accused the association of owing £105,174.47 for a Toshiba copier, after the charity failed to keep up with payments for the machine.

But the small housing association cannot afford to pay the money and fears it would be catastrophic for the services it provides if it was forced to cough up.

The association argues it was missold the copier under false pretences with a promise the cost would not rise if new contracts were taken out every 15 months.

The leasing company is suing the housing association for the money, as well as interest of £1,159.55 and continuing interest of £33.13 a day.

Hastings Community Housing Association provides homes for single young people between the ages of 16 and 20 in Hastings and St Leonards who are referred by the local authority.