Charity begins at home...

Richard Darlington, Cllr Jim McArdle Mayor, Cllr Kay Knox Consort and Dave Rigby Project Manager.

OLDHAM Mayor Councillor Jim McArdle visited Emmaus at Longlands Mill, Mossley, to see for himself how the charity for homeless people operates.

He was accompanied by the Mayoress, Councillor Kay Knox, after the pair were invited by former Saddleworth parish councillor, Richard Darlington.

Emmaus is a charity for homeless men and women who go there to live while working in the collection and resale of second-hand goods.

They also work in the shop, the kitchen, the workshop and help to maintain the premises.

Community leader, Dave Rigby, said: “The mayor hadn’t visited us before so we invited him along.

“Emmaus provides up to 24 self-contained flats for homeless people and they can stay for as long as they want.

“People are also given the opportunity to donate unwanted goods. Our main purpose of being here is to help the needy.”