Number of street sleepers 'rises' in Worcester

The charity said many homeless people are hidden from view

The number of homeless people sleeping on the streets of Worcester has increased during difficult economic times, a charity says.

Betel of Britain said a year ago it saw up to seven people a night in the city, but that had risen to at least 20.

A spokesman added: "But that's only the ones we see, a lot of people will go under cover and so we don't see them."

The Birmingham-based charity has been working with volunteers from St Paul's Church, Worcester, over the past year.

The charity, which provides shelter and support, said homelessness, long-term unemployment and substance abuse was escalating in the UK.