ONE of Glasgow’s best-used day centres for homeless and disadvantaged people has announced its decision to open seven days a week.

The Lodging House Mission, off the Gallowgate, is extending its opening hours due to demand and the increase of homeless people needing support.

As well as offering free food, teas and coffees, the centre - which will now be open 364 days per year - has showers and clothing for those sleeping on the streets, spending nights in the city’s homeless shelter or sofa surfing.

Gus Smeaton, manager of the Lodging House Mission, said: “We will now aim to offer a warm welcome to our homeless guests seven days a week on an ongoing basis.

"We have seen an increase in the need for our services since the economic downturn and are trying our very best to respond.

"We’d like to thank all the charitable trusts, churches and individuals who have donated to us to allow this to happen. We really couldn’t do this without them.”

The Lodging House Mission provides advice to those looking for help with a range of issues from benefit sanctions to housing assistance.

It also runs workshops and activities including a film club and a choir and gives people access to computers.

Drop in services include a nurse, foot specialists, counselling, hairdresser, optician and a dentist.

The Lodging House Mission, which also hosts the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter - run by the Glasgow City Mission - had been trialling Sunday opening over the winter months.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the service it has decided to open seven days a week on a permanent basis.

Sunday services include free food, showers and a warm welcome in a safe environment.