A KIND-HEARTED punk band determined to help combat rough sleeping has donated hundreds of pounds to a homeless shelter.

Cult heroes Special Duties returned to their hometown of Colchester following a 20 year absence to play a charity gig at Three Wise Monkeys, in High Street.

The capacity crowd was treated to some of the band’s most popular hits, in addition to tracks from their new album 7 Days A Week. 

Their latest record’s title track highlights the plight faced by those experiencing homelessness and so the decision was made to donate all funding raised to CENS.

The emergency night shelter, in Alexandra Road, has been operating for more than 35 years, offering people somewhere safe to stay, a hot meal, support and advice.

Following their show, band members from Special Duties handed over a cheque for more than £813 to charity trustee Emily Lagadec.

She said: “We are hugely grateful to the band for choosing CENS as their charity, and this money will certainly go to good use.

“Donations are needed now more than ever, with the cost-of-living crisis and demand for our services rising steeply. This really couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Lead singer Steve added: “CENS is a fantastic charity, so a gig in our hometown with us donating our fee, felt like the perfect way to raise money and awareness.”