Oldham actress Siobhan Finneran is asking people to support a homelessness hostel which is need of more than £200,000 this year.

Finneran, of Downton Abbey and Happy Valley fame, is asking people to support Contact Hostel with an appeal to "Sponsor a Room".

The homelessness hostel in Whalley Range, South Manchester, has supported teenage girls with accommodation and advice for more than 50 years. It has supported around 1,000 teenage girls in this time but the demand is at an all-time high according to Fundraising and Income Partner Helen Gazard.

The charity, one of a kind in Greater Manchester, is in need for more than £200,000 this year to top up its funding from local authorities.

(Image: Contact Hostel) Finneran said: "Every year at Contact we provide a safe home environment for homeless teenage girls. Now we are calling on you to help us continue with this really vital work. 

"By becoming a room sponsor, you will be directly contributing to providing these girls with a brighter future. And what's more, you will become part of our mission to provide something that is much more than just a place to stay."

(Image: Contact Hostel) Ms Gazard said: "At Contact Hostel we are proud to provide a haven for vulnerable teenage girls, but sadly the need for our services is increasing. The cost of living and housing crisis are placing extra pressure on those that need our help – and on the organisations which fund us. This year we have to raise over £210,000 to be able to continue providing our vital service.

"We know that the work we do is vital, and we aim to provide everything a good parent should to girls who stay at Contact. From fresh bedding when they arrive, to cakes on their birthdays and trips out to Blackpool or Bowling – we aim to build the girls confidence and give them positive memories that they can cherish for years to come."

Sponsors receive a welcome pack as well as update packs in the summer and in the winter.

For information go to contacthostel.co.uk/sponsoraroom or Contact Hostel on social media.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.