AN Urmston teacher is demanding more is done to help tackle Manchester's homeless crisis.

Deputy headteacher Paul Giblin, from St. Antony's Catholic College, has called for urgent action to end the plight of many after spending a night on the streets.

Mr Giblin, was part of a 150 strong team from Salford Diocese, who gathered in St Christopher's Catholic Church, Ashton-Under-Lyne, last month to help raise raise more than of £60,000 for Cornerstones, a sanctuary and support for the homeless near the city centre.

Paul said: “It's a massive problem and it's getting worse. There are 3,000 homeless on the city streets every night and after spending just one night out in what were relatively mild conditions I wouldn't want to do it again.”

He added: “If there is one subject which really captures the hearts and minds of our pupils, it's this crisis which is on our doorstep. They all seem to find it incredible that their parents' generation, my generation, have allowed the crisis to get deeper and deeper.”

The money will help build street survival pods, small cabins which provide a temporary solution and protection from the elements and abuse.

Speaking further about his sleeping out experience he said: “There was a sense of camaraderie among us all, but we were all very much aware that it wasn't supposed to be fun and that we were only staying out for one night. You had the option of taking some food and hot drinks but I didn't want to do that and I must admit I was glad when we came together for an early morning Mass.”

He said: “We all know it's complex and costly and that with the cost of housing and rent that the trapdoor into homelessness is wider than ever, but for me and the pupils at St. Antony's, it's the city's number one priority.”