A WORCESTER day centre is celebrating 30 years of helping the homeless in the city.

For the last three decades, volunteers at Maggs Day Centre have worked tirelessly to provide the most vulnerable in society with hot showers, somewhere to wash clothes, a hot meal and shelter in a warm and safe environment.

The centre, which is based in Deansway, is hosting a special dinner to celebrate the milestone which will also raise money towards the centre's kitchen refurbishment and extend the support they provide.

Mel Kirk, the day centre manager, will also ring a bell at Worcester Cathedral on December 21 three times to celebrate the anniversary.

She said: "We first opened our doors at our present location on December 21, 1985. This was a year after a homeless man died on the streets of hypothermia. Today the problem continues and is increasing, with 1,300 registered homeless in Worcester last year and we don't know how many more didn't register.

"Last year Maggs supported more than 600 individuals. Anyone can become homeless, and statistics say that many of us are just two pay days away from this situation.

"We want to challenge the perception that homeless people are any different from the rest of us. Many of the people living on the streets are intelligent, skilled and likeable people."

The Rags to Riches event is a black tie dinner or fancy dress dinner from 6.30pm until midnight at the Guildhall in Worcester on Saturday, December 12.

For £50, diners can enjoy a three course meal, a welcome drink and canapes, free soft drinks, entertainment and a tombola.

To book your ticket, email cbarentsen@maggsdaycentre.co.uk.