INSPIRED by the bout of bed weather to give those less fortunate a helping hand, an Old Town bistro owner has taken her charitable venture a step further.

Gustoso, in Old Town, helped the homeless and rough sleepers of Swindon when storm Emma hit the town.

They offered hot drinks, food and a place to stay, but now Louise Field, 53, owner of the restaurant, has joined forces with two charities, Helping Hands and Threshold.

She said: “It seemed like the whole of Swindon was on the lookout to help these people and now I’m working with Helping Hands and Threshold so I can help make people more aware of the homeless people out there.

“It wont stop here and it is my goal to help as many as we can, some of them don’t want food they want someone that will be there for them.”

Along with their social media post being viewed over 43,000 times, people have been going into the restaurant and donating money to help, so far they have raised £100 but already have plans in place to hold a fundraiser in the summer.

“We are looking forward to hosting events and raising funds, I’ve already spoke to the two charities about this and have a plan in place to help," Louise said.

“Its fulfilling for me, the small things such as a kind gesture can go a long way, I was overwhelmed I had people offering monetary gifts that will go towards food, clothing, toiletries, it will go a long way.

“I think we need more, so much food is wasted in this country and in Swindon, to waste food is a no, not when there is so much hunger around the world."