THE WINTON Salvation Army will be hosting their annual Christmas carol concert to raise money for the Faithworks’ initiative Sleepsafe.

The Winton branch of the charitable organisation will host two of its Carols For The People concert at their church on Latimer Road on Sunday December 8 at 2pm and then again at 6pm.

This year’s special guests will be the Dorset Police Male Voice Choir under the leadership of Dr Jane Oakland. The Winton Salvation Army’s bands, choirs and timbrels will join the all-male choir for various carols during the two shows.

Organiser Dave Ramsay said: “The Winton Salvation Army are involved in the Sleepsafe initiative and will be hosting the homeless for two weeks in the new year.

“We are delighted to be able to offer the proceeds of these carol concerts to the initiative.”

Sleepsafe is an initiative run by Faithworks, a registered Christian charity, and Bournemouth Christians Alongside Rough Sleepers, or BCARS.

The winter emergency bed scheme aims to help Bournemouth rough sleepers get off the streets and stay off the streets by providing 12 beds each night over 22 weeks of winter.

Last year’s five-month support project helped 61 people and moved 78 per cent of those who asked for help into move-on accommodation.