A PROJECT which helped hundreds of needy people get through the festive season last year has been relaunched.

Last December the Winter Warmers scheme took donations of warm clothes, blankets and other winter essentials to help others get by.

A temporary base was set up in an empty Pier Avenue store, in Clacton, and the items helped more than 400 vulnerable people in just two weeks in the run-up to Christmas.

After recently receiving an award, it is set to run for a second year, organised by the Citizens Advice Bureau, Tendring Council and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Volunteers will open it up in a former card shop next to McDonalds in Pier Avenue. An opening date has not been finalised, but it will open this month and stay open until the end of January.

Diane Boyd, of the Citizens Advice Bureau, said this year’s shop will be open for longer to help even more people.

“It took a little longer than last year to come up with premises, but we are there now and all set to go – all we need is the donations,” she said.

Organisers are looking for warm clothing, shoes, bedding and toys.

Items can be taken to the shop from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday or dropped off at Clacton Town Hall or the Citizens Advice Bureau office in Carnarvon Road.

People wanting help will need to show they are on benefits or in need.