A ST ALBANS charity is celebrating its 10th year of helping the homeless with an open day tomorrow (Saturday).

Emmaus, the second hand shop and community, located on Hill End Lane, is hosting the event from noon-5pm.

Guests can expect live music from the Verulam Big Band, a barbecue, children’s activities and a welcome from Emmaus president Terry Waite CBE.

The open day will also offer people the chance to see the work that Emmaus does first hand, meet the team and have a tour of the shop and community.

Emmaus provides a home and job opportunities to formerly homeless people, with 27 companions currently being helped by the initiative in St Albans.

The companions restore old furniture and sell it in the Emmaus shop to fund their community, with some companions currently studying part time for qualifications in English, cookery, and for car and HGV licenses.

As well as having a shop in St Albans, Emmaus has a second furniture store in the Lea Industrial Estate, Batford.

An average of 20 tonnes of furniture is collected and sold for re-use every month between the two local sites, instead of it going to a landfill.

For more information on Emmaus or to find out how to donate furniture visit www.emmaus.org.uk/st-albans