AMIVET Exports of Altrincham has chosen Barnabus, a Manchester-based charity for the homeless, to be its charity of the year for 2016-17.

Director Andrew Iveson said: "Amivet is staffed by veterinary surgeons that sign the health certificates for exporting food all over the world and as Barnabus provide food and support for homeless people on the streets of Manchester, so this seemed a natural link.”

Vets Andrew Iveson and Jemma Webley recently attended the Beacon Centre to present Carol Price, development and fundraising manager for Barnabus, with a cheque for £500.

Carol said: “We are very grateful for this donation as it makes a huge difference to our work and it is fantastic that businesses are choosing to support us. This money will be put towards buying food for our Beacon drop in centre.

"At our breakfast drop-ins we see between 80 - 100 people, so this is a real gift and blessing to us.”

Barnabus has been established for 25 years and provides practical help, food, clothing, washing facilities and first aid treatment for anyone living on the streets of Manchester.

Barnabus also run classes, an allotment project, furniture enterprise and helps people into their own tenancies through its bond guarantee scheme. They always need donations of food, clothing and sleeping bags as well as looking for people to volunteer their time.

For further information see barnabus-manchester.org.uk