There can be a number of reasons why people end up homeless: everything from family breakdowns; to redundancy.

One night in the week before Christmas a few yards away from Christmas shoppers, Tyneside’s homeless were celebrating with their annual Christmas street party.

Around 200 people were expected to join a jazz band, Byker Community choir, the People’s Kitchen choir, Miss Newcastle and of course…Santa – he gave them all a present and a hot meal.

I joined them: