STAFF and customers from a Greenock shop have been praised after they joined a local man's mission to help homeless people.

The Lynedoch Street Off Sales raised cash from a raffle in aid of the '1goodturn' initiative - a charitable project launched late last year by big-hearted Greenock man Mitchell McFarlane to help people who are vulnerable.

Mitchell set up the campaign to encourage people to help others in need of a hand and he has been gathering and donating food and clothes.

He has been flooded with offers of support ever since.

The 38-year-old said: "William Bonner and his family who run the Lynedoch Street Off Sales contacted me to ask about what I was doing and they organised a raffle.

"He said he wanted to raised £100 to support people who need it but they managed to raise £245, which is amazing.

"It covered the cost of 40 bags of toiletries and I've still got some money left over so I'm going to use it to buy waterproof trousers and tops."

As well as travelling to Glasgow every week to support people in need, Mitchell is also offering his barbering services at the Inverclyde Centre for homeless people.

He said: "I'm going to the Inverclyde Centre every second Sunday with Maria Frankgate to offer men's and women's haircuts.

"I'm also going up to Glasgow every Tuesday night, that's now become a regular event so I see guys who are sleeping outside or from temporary accommodation.

"It feels like a community now as they know me and they know it's not just a one off thing.

"When I take the car up it's full of clothes and as soon as I get there, people come over and help me to unload."

Mitchell sets up his barbering chair in Glasgow's Cadogan Street and as well as haircuts he offers a listening ear.

He added: "I stick my chair up and people know I'm there now so they come along.

"A lot of the guys just come for a chat."

Mitchell is keen to thank everyone who has supported '1goodturn' so far.