A KIND-HEARTED teenager has made the extra effort to help the homeless.

Seventeen-year-old Lauren Mason initially worked as part of a National Citizen Service project to organise free slips for homeless people to use at cafes.

Lauren, from Sutton Leach, decided to continue the scheme on her own, with both Cafe Zinho premises involved.

The teenager's efforts have even seen her being taken on at one of the cafes.

"During the NCS our group came up with the idea so we went to the cafes and the two came forward to do it," said Lauren, 17.

"No one wanted to carry on with it after so I said I would. We went to the YMCA and Salvation Army and gave them cards which say the people coming for the food are genuine homeless. They can have whatever they like.

"There have only been three homeless people who have used it so far, it's about getting the homeless to know about it."

Former De La Salle pupil Lauren, who is now doing A levels at Cronton College, added: "I know homelessness is a problem in St Helens and if I can carry it on it could be a good thing to keep going.

"People bring the homeless food but sometimes it's drinks they need. Or they don't want to eat it in the street and if they can come to the cafe it's better for them."