A Swindon community-help project, set to benefit from the Christmas toy appeal, is as much in demand today as it was when it was first launched more than 15 years ago.

The aptly named Green Hut is tucked away behind St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill where for five mornings every week it is a drop-in centre for anyone who wants to call in.

These include the unemployed, the homeless, people with physical and mental disabilities, the elderly, ex-offenders and people who just want to sit in the warm and have a chat and a cup of tea.

It is run by a small band of part-time workers and volunteers and as it regularly provides for people down on their luck, prefers to keep a low profile.

But manager Clive Hunt said: " We are kept very busy and open five days a week between 9.30am and 2.pm or when the last one wants to go.

"Today we will be serving 12 roast chicken dinners and on average see about 27 visitors every day.

"I think there will always be a demand for a service like the one we provide. The Green Hut is a place where a person can come in and have a cup of tea and not talk to anyone if they don't want to."

The scheme was initiated by the Reverend Alastair Stevenson, 59, and the late David Phillips, who joined forces in a bid to alleviate the pressures on homeless people. David, who was known as George, died 18 months ago in a car crash in Ireland.

Rev Stevenson, now the vicar at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill, said: "George came to me as part of the community programme to help with a project for young people.

"He had long hair and an ear-ring at the time but was an inspiration to everyone. The Green Hut is down to his practical, forward thinking and caring nature."

To make a difference to the Green Hut and other groups, just buy a present and take it to one of the outlets listed.

For information on the Green Hut call 496121.

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