A WOMAN who offered her spare room to homeless teens has told of the fantastic experiences she gained from hosting them.

Ulverston resident Sarka-Jo Cole first became involved with Charity Nightstop last year and didn't think twice about letting strangers sleep in her home.

She spoke out after an Evening Mail poll found that 63 per cent of people would not be willing to offer a spare room to a homeless teenager.

The 43-year-old said: "I think there are a lot of risk adverse people out there who don't see that a young person is not a danger to them.

"They are not going to do anything to the person that looks after them and offers them a bed.

"It makes you feel good and I learned so much from them."

Nightstop UK first came to Cumbria in March 2015 and aims to give young people somewhere safe to stay, keeping them off the streets.

Originally based in Carlisle, the charity has now expanded into the Barrow area because of an increase in referrals.

Project worker Jade Docherty is hoping for more hosts to come forward stopping service users travelling to Ulverston, Grange and even Whitehaven.

Miss Cole has housed two service users so far and said it's not about the age of the host or user, but more about acceptance and tolerance.

Related article: Would you let a homeless teen sleep in your spare room?

"It's a new experience for people and gaining an understanding of a different generation.

"You have to look at it that way and not in a financial way, that would be the wrong reason to get involved.

"It's just about being available and having something to offer."

Sharon Jackson, who manages the project, called Barrow a "historically difficult" place to find volunteers but Barrow project worker, Miss Docherty added: "It's a great opportunity for someone to give back to the local community."

There are 12 hosts throughout the county and all have access to a 24 hour helpline as well as regular contact from the charity and training sessions.

Nightstop also offers out of pocket expenses to hosts paying £14 for every night your guest stays.

To find out more, call in to Nightstop UK in Inspira, 241 Dalton Road, Barrow.

Alternatively you can call Jade Docherty, Barrow, on 079399 580459 or Sharon Jackson, Carlisle, on 07958 447477.

Related article: Fund set aside to keep vulnerable Barrow teenagers off the streets