Chase star Shaun Wallace and comedian Duncan Norvelle open two new homeless shelters in South Shields

Shaun Wallace, also known as the ‘Dark Destroyer’ on the ITV quiz show, an ambassador for charity Homeless Worldwide, officially opened the two new properties in Beach Road, housing 50 new residents on Friday, December 6.

He was joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by charity patron, 80s comic Duncan Norvelle and founder Jenny Roberts.

Jenny, who grew up in South Shields, set up Homeless Worldwide earlier this year, after her brother Darren Ledger passed away on the streets in December 2017.

The two new properties, opened in conjunction with Newcastle-based Supporting Lives, comes soon after the charity’s first 14 bedroom homeless shelter opened in August.

They have now housed more than 60 homeless people in South Shields and there are plans for a further two further properties in the coming months.

“We are on a mission to take as many homeless off the streets as quickly as we can, in a few months we have taken 64 people off the streets and will continue to do so,” said Jenny.

“To see the new residents settled in so quickly, the happiness and contentment they had on their faces makes it all worthwhile.

“It was a really emotional day, it was lovely to see the residents putting up their Christmas tree and just being comfortable and warm.”

She continued: “The houses have been refurbished to a very high standard so the new residents live in line with everyone else, their dignity is restored and faith back into humanity.”

Since the first shelter opened several residents have moved on and found work and are now integrating back into society.

Jenny added: “The support we’ve had from our team and everyone at Supporting Lives has been outstanding and couldn’t of been achieved without them.

“We are now finishing another two properties in South Shields before we move onto Newcastle and then down south to help as many people as we can.”