A local homelessness charity is reducing its opening hours following a hike in energy bill prices, but hopes to still operate as a warm space throughout winter.

The electricity and gas bills the charity are facing at their community shop and café at The Royal Oak on Felixstowe Road have doubled in the past year.

Their newly-opened homeware store in Dogs Head Street also costs four times the amount they're paying at their other sites.

Emmaus Suffolk chief executive Claire Staddon said: "Our priority this winter is to be able to offer our services to as many people as possible including our hubs and food poverty scheme, One Pot Wonder.

"Closing the Royal Oak for an extra day will enable us to become a Warm Space for those facing the cold and social isolation.

"Anyone who is struggling to keep warm at home or needs a safe space is welcome to come to the Royal Oak whenever we are open."

The Royal Oak will now be open from Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm and their homeware store in Dogs Head Street and charity shop in Felixstowe will be open from Thursday to Saturday 10am-4pm.