A new website is being launched today to make it easier and quicker for homeless people in Bradford to find a bed.

The Bradford Hostels Online website, which is accessible by password only, will give those working with the homeless up-to-date details of vacancies in hostels and supported housing projects.

Bradford Council's housing department collected the information locally and the Resource Information Service, a voluntary agency, has set up the website. The council, which is the first local authority in the region to adopt this system, also provided IT equipment for 12 hostels and advice agencies.

Launching the scheme, Councillor Kris Hopkins, the council's executive member for health, housing and social care, said: "There will be 37 housing schemes online with more than 700 bed spaces so this should enable those working with the homeless to see at a glance where beds are available."