The founder of a homeless shelter destroyed in a suspected arson attack has launched an appeal for funds to help re-start the service.

Rob Sefton ran the Braintree Emergency Night Shelter (Bens) in the High Street from April 2012 until February, when it was gutted in a blaze.

With the damage still being assessed, Mr Sefton is now on the hunt for a new home.

He said: “We are a local charity so we are looking for somewhere local again.

“The problem is it took me two years to find the premises and I don’t want to wait another two years.

"The trustees have decided that we should try and buy a house.”

Mr Sefton said the charity had already raised £29,000 out of a target of £250,000 from donations and funds it received before the devastating fire.

To donate, text BENS16£5 to 70070 or you can donate any amount from £2 to £20 instead of £5.

Alternatively, send a cheque made out to BENS to BENS, c/o 1a George Road, Braintree, CM7 2RX.

Become a friend of BENS by visiting bens braintree.org.uk, go to the donate page and download a form to makeadirect debit forasmall monthly amount.

See this week's Braintree Times for the full story.