Crisis, the national charity for the homeless, is appealing for chefs and catering staff with basic food hygiene certificates to volunteer to help out this Christmas.

Chefs and catering staff are an essential part of the charity's annual Christmas programme, which last year, provided 1,200 homeless people with warmth, food, companionship and access to services during the festive season.

Susie Ellis, food service organiser, said: "The catering team of about 300 is an essential part of Crisis Open Christmas serving more than 16,000 meals during the festive period."

Chefs and catering staff are needed for a range of shifts and hours at Crisis Open Christmas shelters in London between 23 and 30 December this festive season.

The volunteer hotline is 020 7426 3872 or e-mail coc@crisis.org.uk