A Newbury organisation which serves food to homeless and vulnerable people is set for a fundraising boost.

The Loose Ends drop-in centre was nominated to be Irwin Mitchell's Charity of the Year for 2019 by colleagues at the law firm's office.

The national law firm’s annual charity initiative sees staff across each of its 13 offices take part in a vote to select a good cause which they can support through both voluntary work and fundraising events.

The initiative is part of the work undertaken by the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF), an independent charity founded in 1997, which has raised more than £1.8 million for charities in the UK and abroad.

The Newbury office has chosen the local organisation, which is run by more than 80 volunteers and serves on average 140 meals a week to vulnerable people.

The charity also offers groceries, clothes, sleeping bags, tents and toiletries to those in need.

Sarah Phillips, regional managing partner at the Newbury Office, said: “As a firm we have always been passionate about doing what we can to support important causes and organisations through the IMCF and the Charity of the Year initiative.

“Loose Ends undertakes incredibly important work in the local area and we are already planning a range of activities across the year which will ensure that vital funds are raised to support the services that it provides.

“Helping good causes is a core part of life here at Irwin Mitchell and we are excited about seeing just how much we can do for Loose Ends and our other chosen charities across the coming months.”

As well as providing healthy hot meals and offering items to those in need, Loose Ends, which was established 28 years ago, strives to offer a friendly atmosphere where people can socialise, regardless of the issues they have faced in their lives.

The funds raised by Irwin Mitchell will go towards supporting all aspects of the centre’s work.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Loose Ends provides a drop-in centre feeding the homeless and vulnerable in Newbury.

"The charity is run and staffed by volunteers and relies on the generosity of local individuals and organisations for its funding.

"We are delighted to be chosen as charity of the year by Irwin Mitchell.”