Supporters of Doorway, the North Wiltshire charity that helps homeless people, highlighted the plight of the less fortunate in Chippenham yesterday.

Five people who volunteer at Doorway held placards with messages including “Up to 7 people sleep rough in Chippenham every night” and “Sofa surfers – Sleeping on somebody else’s floor or sofa.”

They assembled at the steps of the town hall, then went to Emery Gate shopping centre followed by the Buttercross.

The flash mob event was held to highlight World Homeless Day.

Alex Taylor, 38, one of those taking part, has been volunteering at Doorway for the past five months.

Mr Taylor, who lives in Chippenham and is a property developer, said: “I feel I am quite lucky, I work for myself and I have somewhere to live.”

Those who use the charity have a range of reasons as to why they are homeless.

“They have very emotional stories and listening to what they have gone through it makes me think twice when I see people who are homeless,” he said. “Some live in a cardbox on the pavement and others live in tents. “It’s made me more aware there are people who are disadvantaged. It’s a bit of an eye opener.”