Plans are under way to extend Mansfield’s Winter Night Shelter, which provides rough sleepers with a safe haven during the coldest months of the year.

Mansfield District Council is working with churches and partner agencies, including Framework and Derby City Mission, to try to provide the shelter throughout all of December, January and February — a total of 90 nights.

Last winter it was open for 54 nights.

Derby City Mission held a special evening at Chesterfield Road Methodist Church to thank 20 volunteers and two night staff, who helped to run the previous shelter.

More than 40 people attended and some registered their interest to help again.

An appeal has been launched for new volunteers to get involved, call the council’s engagement and development officer on 01623 415962.

The winter shelter was hosted by two churches — the Methodist and Baptist churches on Chesterfield Road — which between them provided shelter last winter.

In addition to the winter night shelter, Framework’s Street Outreach team is on the district’s streets weekly, trying to engage with rough sleepers.