A coat rail has been set up in Llandrindod Wells for anyone in need, whether homeless or just short of cash.

Molly Hawthorn decided to set-up the coat rail after seeing it done elsewhere on Facebook.

"There's a lot of poverty and people with not a lot of money in Llandrindod.

"I think it's something that so many people need at that as a community we're able to do something," said Molly.

Molly posted about her idea on the Facebook Group Llandrindod Solutions. Soon after, Sarah Mason from Helping our Homeless Wales got in contact with her, and the coat rail became a reality.

The rail was launched on Monday, December 3, with Molly and Sarah, and well as the mayor of Llandrindod Wells, Jon Williams.

Molly makes the point that the coat rail is for all. "Everybody needs a coat, regardless as to whether they're homeless. Some people just can't afford one.

"There are people who have children who can't afford to get something to fit them when they grow. It's not about being homeless."

Molly said that by getting a free coat, it could mean people and families have more money to spend on everyday essentials such as toiletries and food; or on Christmas presents.

When Molly first posted about the idea, she did get a couple of negative responses, including someone worried that people would take the coats to sell them on Ebay. "It's a lot of effort to do that. If someone is really that desperate then do it," Molly said.

The coat rail already has a lot of support, with it being full on its launch day. "So many people have said that they have gone to the charity shop to get a coat for the rail. We seem to have a lot of support," said Molly.

Molly said: "I have high hopes for the future, everywhere needs something like this: all the towns in Powys." There are currently plans to create a coat rail in Newtown.

The coat rail is situated outside the Herb Garden Community Cafe in Llandrindod Wells and is taken in at night.

To donate coats, which should be in reasonable wearable condition, simply add them to the rack or give them in to a drop-off point. Local drop-off points include the Herb Garden and Penybont Service Station.

Hats, gloves and children’s coats are being introduced next week.