A PROJECT to help needy people in Clacton is set to be relaunched after helping hundreds of people over the last two years.

The Winter Warmers scheme has been run over the past two festive seasons to give vital help to vulnerable people.

Donations of clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, shoes and other essentials will be collected and handed out to those in need.

It will be run from the Citizens Advice Bureau base in Old Road, Clacton, run by the bureau and Tendring Council.

Lynda McWilliams, council cabinet spokesman, said: “The scheme has been running extremely well for the past two winters and it has proved there is a need for it.

“More than 400 people were helped the first year and just over 700 last time. The winter - and Christmas in particular - can be a very difficult time of the year for many families and this service can be a vital lifeline for them.

“It is a time when we can give something to those less fortunate and make a real difference in their lives.”

Donations can be made now at the Old Road shop, the Citizens Advice Bureau office in Carnarvon Road, or at Clacton Town Hall.

The scheme will run until the end of January.

For more information call the Citizens Advice Bureau on 01255 377080 extension 142 or 07926512667.