Twelve rough sleepers will be given beds for three of the coldest months of the winter.

Swindon Borough Council is bringing back its temporary winter housing provision for the third year.

For the second year it will be at The Haven, a converted primary school in Queen's Drive, which is also home to a day centre run by Swindon Night Shelter.

This year the charity will also be running the scheme to house six men and six women for 12 weeks starting on January 2. Support to get off the streets will be given.

Cathy Martyn, the council’s cabinet member for housing and public safety, said: “The temporary winter housing initiative is one of the council’s flagship schemes that help rough sleepers in Swindon, and I am pleased to be able to say that it is returning this year.

“We are fully committed to doing everything we possibly can to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community and we will be with them every step of the way as they look to get themselves into safe and secure accommodation.”

Last year five of the 12 guests were able to move into permanent housing after staying at the winter provision.