A HOT shower, a good dinner and a warm bed are simple pleasures that most people enjoy on a regular basis.

But for some, they are the height of luxury - a luxury the Christmas Care campaign intends to provide to homeless people in Swindon later this month.

It was 15 years ago when nurse Betty Spence first opened a Christmas shelter for people living on the streets.

From that first shelter Christmas care was born.

Staffed by Betty and a team of volunteers, the organisation relies on donations of money, food, clothing, toiletries and bedding to give clients a few nights of comfort.

The Methodist Church in Queens Drive has been the venue for the shelter in recent times and last year it housed more than 120 people over the four nights it was open.

Christmas Day saw 70 turkey dinners served to guests, some of whom were more used to picking their dinners out of the town's restaurant bins.

Joint secretary Patsy Moloney, said: "We are very lucky because the churches and the people in Swindon are very generous, but we need more volunteers."

Recently new helpers have come forward, allowing people who had given up large parts of their Christmas for many years to spend some time with their families.

There is always a shortfall, however, as the shelter is staffed 24 hours a day, with teams of four operating four-hour shifts.

This makes sure someone is always on hand to call a doctor or the emergency services if necessary.

"We try and keep the shelter drug and alcohol free," Mr Moloney said.

"People who come in with large bags have them searched and any alcohol that we find is locked away and kept for them until they leave.

"If they are on medication we take that from them, keep it safe and give it to them as prescribed."

Regulations have also had an impact on the food donations. In the past the supermarkets were allowed to donate just out of date food. Now it has to be dumped.

But even though there are more restrictions on food, no donation will be wasted.

"Any food we have left over we give to the Breakfast Club and the Green Hut in Gorse Hill," said Patsy.

Both organisations provide meals for homeless people or those on low incomes.

This year guests will be able to take advantage of a chiropodist as well as a newly-installed shower and hot water in both the ladies and gentlemen's cloakrooms.

Entertainment will also be provided in the form of carol singers, Highworth Silver Band and some bingo sessions.

The shelter will run from 4pm on Christmas Eve until 11am on December 28.

Anyone who is willing and able to give up some time between December 24 and 28 can contact organisers on Swindon 642368 or 485483.

Donations of blankets, food, money, clothing and toiletries can be made at the church on December 17 and 19 between 7pm and 9pm and during the day on Saturday, December 20.

Donations can also be handed over to reception at the Information Centre in Regent Street.

Tina Clarke