A WIRRAL charity for the homeless has received a surprise £6,000 windfall from charitable arm of a local business.

The Wirral Ark plan to use the donation from Birkenhead-based landlords Smith and Sons, to buy new database system, enabling them to source and tap into much needed additional funding.

Its chief executive Anne O'Marah, who accepted the cheque from Chris Johnson of Smith and Sons said: "Our current database is really old and can often slow us down when managing statistics for fundraising bids - so the charity needed something that can record and provide hard copies at the touch of a button.

"With the money Smith and Sons have donated, we will be able to manage our information so much more quickly and with ease."

Some of the money has also helped kit-out the Birkenhead hostel's homeless football team, providing new sportswear and equipment.

Mr Johnson said: "We are delighted to support the Wirral Ark – they're a fantastic local charity that carry out important work and offer vital support to homeless people throughout the year."