A woman who specialises in trading second hand items is looking to set up a new initiative to keep homeless people warm this winter.

Aynur Nicholls, who lives off Colchester Road, Halstead, is aiming to get permission from Essex County Council to hang second hand coats, gloves and scarves in the middle of the town.

The concept would require members of the public to donate items of warm clothing they no longer need.

Any items hanging from the rail could be taken by any members of the public free of charge.

Aynur, who runs her own business, hopes the donations will provide the homeless and those on low incomes with a way of keeping the cold out throughout the next few months.

She said: "I saw the idea on YouTube that in London they put a clothes rail out on the streets and have coats on there for people to take one.

"There's nothing like this in Halstead, we only have charity shops.

"Homeless people don't always have spare money to get themselves something warm to wear. There are other people who need help too, like the ones on low incomes.

"There will be no money involved, I want people to help themselves.

"I will check with the council and see if we can find a suitable place."

One place where Aynur believes the free coat rail could be places is by the library along Bridge Street.

A similar initiative has been set up in Colchester and had some success despite teething problems. Though Aynur accepts some people may abuse the system, she believes it is more important to focus on helping those in need.

She added: "I am worried those who don't need it will use it anyway.

"But we can't just stop ideas like this because of a few idiots. Sometimes we have to take chances and trust the community.

"I'm more interested in helping people when it gets really cold outside.

"It would need to keep being topped up throughout the winter but it could make all the difference for people this winter."