One of Bristol’s newest restaurants has signed up to help the homeless by inviting diners to make a contribution to the city’s StreetSmart campaign.

The Living Room on Harbourside has been open for just a few weeks but staff were keen to do their bit for those without a roof over their heads.

StreetSmart continues until the end of December and involves adding a voluntary £1 to restaurant bills while the scheme is running.

It is hoped those enjoying Christmas parties will be especially generous with their donations to help those who will not be able to enjoy the festive season.

Although a nationwide campaign, all the money raised through the 14 Bristol restaurants that are involved this year will be spent on the homeless in the city.

So far, StreetSmart has raised more than £3.2 million nationwide since its launch 10 years ago. Those enjoying meals out in Bristol have raised an average of £10,000 a year since 2001 and it is hoped to match or even exceed that sum this time.

The Evening Post is once again supporting the fundraising effort, with many actors, writers, politicians and celebrity chefs also giving their backing.

Living Room Group managing director Danny Fox said the company, which operates around the country, had a policy of supporting charities both nationally and locally.

He said: “Over the years we have been involved with many charities. Our staff will do all they can to make this year’s collection for StreetSmart even bigger and better than before.”

The charity One25, based in Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s, was one of the organisations to benefit from the generosity of Bristol diners last year.

Its development manager Helen Hill said: “StreetSmart is a brilliant concept. It helps so many homeless people throughout the UK every year and the donation of funds that we were given meant that we were able to provide food and hot drinks for our outreach service.”

Cards placed on dining tables explaining how the scheme works include a message from actor, author and TV presenter Stephen Fry, who is a supporter.