TEA makers and talkers are at the top of a wanted list being drawn up by a Swindon-based Christmas shelter.

Thamesdown Christians Against Homelessness are setting up their 13th annual shelter at Queens Drive Methodist Church in Park South on Christmas Eve and are looking for volunteers to help out.

"We need cooks, drivers, washers-up, cleaners, handymen, tea makers, talkers, listeners and anyone who thinks they can just generally help," said Christian group secretary Tony Gasson.

The shelter, whose stated aim is to provide "food, fun and friendship" for homeless, needy and lonely people at Christmas, also needs donations of items such as food, warm clothing and shoes, blankets, sleeping bags, towels, toiletries and cash.

It will be open from 4pm on Christmas Eve until the morning of December 28.

Anyone who wants to help set up or staff it should ring Swindon 693216 or 485483.