HOMELESS people in Oxford will learn cookery and painting skills, thanks to a £5,000 donation.

Capital Shopping Centres, the company behind the planned redevelopment of the Westgate Centre, has given the cash to the Oxford Night Shelter.

It will go to the charity's training, education and activities programme which includes classes in basic skills, arts activities such as photography and painting, computer courses, cookery and sports.

The shelter provides emergency accommodation for homeless people over the age of 26 at O'Hanlon House in Luther Street.

Director Lesley Dewhurst said: "If all we did for our clients was to give them food, warmth and shelter, we would be doing little better than applying a sticking plaster to a major cut.

"Most of the people who stay at O'Hanlon House need far more than this - they are victims of abuse, have drug or alcohol problems, need medical help for physical or mental health problems, assistance in budgeting and managing a tenancy, and to rebuild self-esteem and a feeling of self-worth.

"This generous donation will help our clients to be able to find new skills and new ways of living that help them go on to succeed in accommodation of their own."

Up to 100 homeless people use the Oxford Night Shelter every day.

Simon Ward, of Capital Shopping Centres, said: "We hope it assists Oxford Night Shelter in continuing its valuable community service and enhancing its more specialised areas."

The firm's plans for the rundown Westgate include 90 new shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, a 1,335 space multi-storey car park and 127 new flats. More than 2,000 jobs will be created.

The public inquiry into the plans, and the use of a compulsory purchase order to acquire some of the land needed, will start at 10am next Tuesday, at the Town Hall, in St Aldate's.