THE city’s homeless night shelter opened last night in anticipation of sub-zero temperatures.

Gritters also covered the county’s roads with rock salt, after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the West Midlands.

The organisation predicted icy conditions from 10pm last night to 11am this morning and urged drivers to be careful on the roads.

Worcester’s homeless night shelter, which is held at the Salvation Army building in The Trinity, is run by the charity Caring for Communities and People (CCP), who provide bedding, food and washing facilities to those in need.

In March last year the night shelter moved from its base at Maggs Day Centre to The Trinity, after the shelter hit maximum capacity due to a spike in the number of rough sleepers seeking shelter.

CCP is contracted to run the city’s night shelter through the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which is provided by Worcester City Council.