PAST and present volunteers and friends gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church to celebrate Acton Homeless Concern’s 30th anniversary.

It was founded in 1989 as a practical response to the needs and problems of a large community of homeless people sleeping rough on local streets.

With the help of more than 100 volunteers, the charity now supports hundreds without permanent accommodation through health and advice sessions and by providing clothes and household items at its two drop-in centres.

Among the guests were Rupa Huq MP and Cllr Patricia Walker, a former mayor.

Dr Huq said: “This amazing charity operates on a shoestring. It is a modern-day miracle.”

She said the celebration was not about balance sheets but the people power of the volunteers and trustees who gave up their time.

Acton Homeless Concern last year provided more than 4,000 meals and 1,500 showers and haircuts.