A CHARITY for homeless people has welcomed a new patron - South Dorset MP Jim Knight.

Mr Knight has taken on the role after visiting the Weymouth-based Bruised Reed Trust, which helps single homeless recovering addicts over 25 years old.

The charity offers the opportunity for people to put a roof over their heads and learn new skills so they can begin to recover from their problems.

It was created by local Christians in 1987 as a response to the growing number of homeless men in the area, particularly former prisoners and ex-servicemen who were unable to cope with civilian life.

The charity has since been extended to include women and the trust has also opened two new houses in Plymouth and Bideford.

Mr Knight said: "There is such a shortage of specialist housing in the borough, for all groups including recovering addicts, and Bruised Reed do an exceptional job in helping people solve their problems.

"The fact the staff know what the residents are going through and can understand any difficulties about drugs or alcohol is immensely beneficial and I am more than happy to become a patron."

The trust, who work in partnership with organisations like Dorset Drug and Alcohol Advisory Service (DDAAS) and Genesis, offers tenants a personal development plan, including basic living and key skills, to help them get back on track.

Clients have studied subjects at Weymouth College as diverse as Basic Food Hygiene, Information Technology and Day Skipper courses.

A Bruised Reed spokesman said: "We are delighted that Jim has agreed to become a patron. Our clients are people who have fallen through all of society's safety nets. We offer them something precious, a place they can call home."

He added that people staying in the home benefit from being around others who can appreciate what they are going through.

"Our staff have themselves been homeless or have recovered from drug and alcohol problems so clients are with people who understand the problems they face," he said.