Help for homeless women, who have a history of domestic abuse, will increase, thanks to a £90,000 grant to charity Spear.

The funding, from the Government, will enable Richmond Council and homeless support charity Spear to hire two specialist domestic violence and abuse workers.

Their services will target homeless women, whose support needs are often too high for traditional services such as refuges.

Stuart Nevill, Spear chief executive, said: "This grant enables us to extend our women’s services and so deliver more benefit to local women affected by homelessness, their families and the wider community."

Councillor Lisa Blakemore, council cabinet member for health and housing, added: "Everyone is entitled to a safe and happy home from which to engage with life.

"Together with Spear, we will help some of the most vulnerable residents in the borough achieve that goal."