A charity that helps homeless people in Elmbridge find somewhere to live has been named a private renting champion by national charity, Crisis.

Elmbridge Rentstart, which runs from its High Street office in Esher, has helped 36 people find and keep private rented housing in the last year.

Ten schemes from across the country were chosen as Crisis private renting champions, with each a champion in a different area.

Elmbridge Rentstart was chosen as the champion in obtaining local resources and funding and will give guidance to other such projects.

The scheme’s core funding is provided by Elmbridge Council, with further help from Crisis, Walton Charity, Homeless Link and Thames Homeless Project.

Helen Watson, manager of Elmbridge Rentstart, said: “Becoming a private renting champion means a huge amount to a small organisation like Elmbridge Rentstart and this award can only add value to our organisation.

“With the help and support of Crisis in the past three years, we have been able to grow as an organisation and become more resilient and efficient. This in turn has enabled us to attract external funders who can now clearly see and understand what we do.”