A homeless charity has found a potential new "forever" home but needs to raise nearly £60,000 after floods wrecked its day centre.

Pitstop was forced to temporarily relocate to a village hall and then a church because its premises were damaged beyond repair at Leatherhead Football Club's Fetcham Grove ground at Christmas.

Richard Langtry, chairman of trustees, said they have made an offer on a building in Leatherhead and they need to be at the new location by mid-December.

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The charity has raised £12,000 towards its £70,000 target - the money is needed within the next two months to allow work to begin on the building.

Mr Langtry said: "The floods last Christmas literally washed away our old premises which was devastating for the charity and a real upheaval for the clients who rely on us.

"But since then we’ve seen a renewed spirit and real commitment to continuing this vital support and providing a welcoming base for our clients.

"We were lucky to be offered temporary accommodation at Fetcham Village Hall and thereafter the URC in Leatherhead, but we knew that this would only be available to us until Christmas and that we’d have to put a hold on any of the additional services we want to offer."

"The great news is we are ready to secure and refit our own building in the heart of Mole Valley.

"It’s a huge challenge, but if we succeed we’ll be able to offer a safe, warm and practical forever home for Pitstop - kitted-out to provide a fully-staffed day centre facility. And as soon as possible!"

The charity wants to offer practical and counselling services, a daily hot lunch, showers, refreshments, IT services, a food bank, a second-hand clothes wardrobe and a furniture recycling project.

Mr Langtry said: "We know it’s a financially difficult time for many but we’re urging everyone to think about those in their own community who are homeless, who have no friends or family, who are suffering from mental health or addiction problems or who are poverty-stricken.

"The Pitstop is a lifeline for them and we are desperate to make this permanent Pitstop home a reality while the opportunity is there.

"If we can raise the funds to adapt a building to make it our long term home we will be able to ensure our clients feel supported, make friends, get good advice, recharge their batteries, learn new skills and generally feel more confident and better equipped, both practically and emotionally, to improve their lives for many years to come."

To donate call the Pitstop team on 01372 363003 (please leave a message).

Alternatively email pitstop.leatherhead@btconnect.com or visit website www.thepitstop.org.uk