International financial news provider Bloomberg has offered to support a threatened charity which raises cash for the homeless through diners' bills.

The three-year deal lifts the threat of closure for Streetsmart.

Bloomberg's sponsorship will cover all the administrative, production and promotion costs, meaning every penny raised will go directly to helping homeless charities in Brighton and Hove.

During November and December people dining in restaurants participating in the StreetSmart scheme are asked to add £1 per table to their bill.

The cash is distributed directly to charities, hostels and projects dedicated to helping the homeless.

In Brighton and Hove last year, 20 restaurants took part, raising £10,000 for the Women's Refuge Project, Clock Tower Sanctuary, Stopover, Crossover, Brighton Emmaus Trust, Halo, Fairshare and Project Antifreeze.

Alison Ali, Brighton and Hove regional organiser for the charity, said: "We are delighted Bloomberg has agreed to sponsor StreetSmart.

"It allows us to continue to support homeless charities in Brighton whose work is crucial because it genuinely makes a difference to the lives of people who desperately need support."

Terre a Terre, in East Street, Brighton, was one of the restaurants which took part last year. Co-owner Philip Taylor expects his business to be involved again this year.

He said: "It is a really good scheme and most of the customers support it. One of the things which is appreciated is it is very locally based."

Any restaurant interested in joining the Street-Smart scheme should call Alison Ali or Ben Kypreos on 01273 607485.