MORE than 100 scarves have been left around the town centre for people who ho are homeless or living with mental health issues to mark Nelson Mandela's death.

Homeless support charity Teardrops on Crab Street have been chosen as one of the charities to take part in the Secret Scarves event organised by Barons Court Project - who initiated the idea last December on the London streets.

This year, inspired by the 67 blankets for Nelson Mandela Day – a South African project where people knit or crochet scarves that are given out to people in need – the charity asked people to do the same for those in need in the UK and had more than 1,000 sent in total which were sent to the UK and 13 other countries.

These have been distributed by fellow homeless charities - such as Teardrops in St Helens - to help people in different communities on the anniversary of the former President Nelson Mandela's

In December 2017 Barons Court Project, a day centre for people who are homeless or living with mental health issues is initiated what we believe was London’s first ever ‘Secret Scarves’ event. We want to repeat this in 2018, but on a larger scale

Shauni Ward, 27, co founder of Teardrops, said: "It's amazing to be asked to be part of such a great thing helping those in need in our town and elsewhere.

"It's about helping others, especially at this time of year.

"The scarves are all over the town centre with a note attached saying that it is not lost and if for those who need it.

"It's great to be involved in something like this and hope people send in pictures of them with the scarves."

Barons Court Project director Michael Angus, added: “To be able to remember Nelson Mandela by leaving handmade scarves for people who are homeless or in need in locations across the UK is a fitting tribute to his legacy.

"South Africa is known as The Rainbow Nation. Imagine the sight of railings, trees or centres across the UK brightened up in Rainbow Colours on a cold dark December day, with a handmade gift for someone, it shows we care.”

Notes on the scarves say: “I am not lost, if you are cold and need me, please take me.”