So far the charity has raised a magnificent £13,814, and has given out £12,200 in donations to individuals and organisations.

The latest recipient of £150 SHOH cash is Alex Peck, a 25-year-old former drug user, who's no longer homeless thanks to Foundation Housing. His new home in Ousegate will receive carpets from Selby Carpet Depot using the SHOH money.

In the week the Selby Times celebrates its 150th anniversary, Alex said: "It's great news SHOH is giving me £150 towards new carpets. I'd like to thank them, Foundation Housing and drug rehabilitation centre Compass and Selby Carpet Depot for their help. It's nice to be getting my life back on course."

SHOH chairwoman Wendy Singh said: "It's great we can help someone like Alex. In recent weeks, we've given £600 to Compass in addition to the £150 for Alex's home.

"It's fantastic the Foundation team in Selby has helped this young man. SHOH has also given children's out-of-school scheme in Hemingbrough Bruff Club £700.

"So far we've given 16 grants to various community good causes. We're still encouraging families to send in their ideas for packages to send to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other war zones around the world."

To offer help to SHOH, to apply for help from the charity, or to give names and addresses of troops, visit the www.selbyhandsofhope.org.uk website, contact Wendy via wendy@selbyhandsofhope.org.uk or on 07548 223066.

You can also apply in writing to the Selby Times, 74-76 Gowthorpe, Selby YO8 4ET or call into the office.

Bruff Club up-coming events include:

Medieval activities February 15

Storybook role play February 16

Creating crafts around a castle theme and a visit from fencing team of York University, February 17

Royal Treasure Hunt February 18

Princess and knights party day February 19

In addition, a wide range of games and activities are available.

For details and availability of places throughout the half-term holiday, for children three to 13 living in Hemingbrough and the surrounding area, contact the Bruff Club on 01757 633784 or 0754 544 7221