A THURROCK businessman has come to the rescue of a homeless charity.

Just before Christmas, yobs threw bricks at two windows at the Store House, in Station Road, Westcliff, which is run by Southend's Vineyard Church.

The vandalism, which caused one window to shatter and the second to smash to pieces, caused an estimated £1,200 damage.

The centre, which helps feed homeless people, was consequently forced to close over the festive period and had to move the annual Christmas dinner to the church's offices in Warrior Square, Southend.

As project manager Simon Matthews called around for quotes to repair the damage, Bernard Coates, of Armstrong Coates Windows, offered to repair both windows free-of-charge.

Mr Matthews said Mr Coates's generosity was "overwhelming".

He said: "It is a real godsend. We are trying to do as much as we can so everything we get is given to those who need it most.

"We just don't have the money to fork out to repair such damage.

"Bernard runs a small business, but he told me we did a good job and this was his way of giving something back to the community."

Mr Coates, whose business is based in West Thurrock, said: "At the end of the day, the damage would cost us about £450 in materials to repair and they are a charity.

"We are only a small company but we try and help where we can. It is not a big deal."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call Southend Police on 01702 431212.