StreetSmart restaurant charity campaign returns for 25th year

StreetSmart is set to launch its annual fundraising campaign on 1 November, which will see a voluntary £1 added to diners' bills at participating restaurants.

Every penny that is donated during the festive months of November and December will be passed onto local charities tackling homelessness.

The initiative, now in its 25th year, also works with its long-term partner LandAid to provide affordable homes for young people.

Since the campaign started in 1998, more than 2,000 restaurants have been involved in raising over £12m for the cause.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: "Hospitality has a proud history of helping the more vulnerable in society and StreetSmart is a fantastic example of that. A small gesture from customers can collectively make a big difference and I'd urge all restaurants to take part."

Jyotin Sethi, chief executive of JKS Restaurants, said: "Our decision to support StreetSmart over the years, who help some of the most vulnerable people in the UK, has been one of the easiest we've ever made."

Restaurants have been encouraged to sign up at streetsmart.org.uk.