A HOMELESS charity in Reading has salvaged hundreds of sleeping bags leftover at Reading Festival to be given to the homeless.

New Beginnings Reading (NBR), set up in 2017, aims to help anyone in need, including those in poverty or financial hardship.

Twenty five volunteers from NBR descended on St John's Farm after Reading Festival (Monday August 26) to participate in the salvage operation that takes place each year.

Reading Chronicle:

READ ALSO: Reading Festival: What happens to the thousands of abandoned tents?

This is the third time they have taken part and in the space of three hours, over 200 sleeping bags and around 50 pop up tents were collected as well as unopened packets and tins of food.

Reading Chronicle:

Afterwards, Afonwen Laundry Reading laundered 100 sleeping bags which will be given to those in need.

However, the charity are relying on their volunteers and calling on the public to help wash the rest.

Reading Chronicle:

The founder and chairperson of NBR, Grace Gomez, said: "This was a great opportunity for us to get sleeping bags and tents for free as unfortunately Reading has a very high rate of homelessness.

"We actually had to buy sleeping bags earlier this year, so we were sure to collect a good supply yesterday (Monday August 26).

"A massive thank you to a wonderful team who gave up their bank holiday weekend to salvage in the blistering sun yesterday (Monday August 26).

"If anyone could help by laundering the rest of the sleeping bags we would be very grateful."

The charity run an All Night Cafe shelter for Reading's homeless on Friday and Saturday evenings from the Queen's Arms where up to 16 people can use their services.

READ MORE: Reading Festival organisers and council join forces to make the event the greenest ever.

They are the only emergency night shelter in Reading who want to offer their services seven days a week.

The charity also run a Community Fridge from the Queen's Arms three days a week.

Here, they provide the young and old, families and individuals with food and drink.

Miss Gomez explained: "Anyone can drop in for some free food to take a away and stay for a cuppa and a natter.

"We will be able to make up food parcels for the people who use our services.

"Last year we made up 60 carrier bags of food for our guests to take away."

A massive thank you to a wonderful team who gave up their bank holiday weekend to salvage in the blistering sun yesterday. If anyone could help by laundering the rest of the sleeping bags we would be very grateful.