One of the main Labour Party conference hotels has given a helping hand to the homeless.

The Grand hotel has donated 500 blankets it would otherwise have destroyed to St Patrick's night shelter in Hove.

The hotel, where many speakers and delegates will stay this week, is replacing all of its blankets with duvets.

Deputy manager Kevin Berry said: "Our customers told us they find blankets to be old fashioned and they prefer duvets. We did not want to throw the blankets away."

St Patrick's in Cambridge Road, Hove, has been helping homeless people for more than 20 years.

It now provides a place to stay for 70 people every night and is dedicated to helping those marginalised by poverty and exclusion.

Monday, September 26, 2005