How eating out has helped to raise more than £18,000 for the homeless people in Leeds

The final total of £18, 316 was raised via the StreetSmart scheme whereby diners at participating restaurants opted to add an extra £1 to their bill.

All the donations have since been collected and Caring for Life and Canopy are confirmed as two of the organisations that will benefit.

Caring for Life is a Christian charity which helps people who "have fallen through the net" with holistic support as well as getting them help with housing. Canopy renovates empty and derelict houses that have been standing empty for years and transforms them into homes for homeless people or those in dire housing need.

The scheme, which is backed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, ran throughout November and December last year and the following restaurants were involved -

Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar, Harvey Nichols Espresso Bar, Salvo's and Salvo's Salumeria, MEATliquor, Crafthouse & Angelica, Issho, East 59th, The Granary Restaurant and The Assembly.

Harvey Nichols made the most money this year and hospitality manager Phil Lockwood said: "We are involved in StreetSmart as its such a fantastic way for us and our customers to help the homeless people of Leeds and the Leeds area.

"It’s a simple way to donate and with 100% of the donation going to the needy it really makes a difference. We have such a great response every year from all our wonderful customers. This year the festive period was celebrated with a meals and drinks in our Fourth Floor Brasserie and Espresso Bar which helped raise just over £8500.00."

Rachel McAlley, campaign manager, said; "Without these restaurants taking part in the StreetSmart campaign, and the generosity of their customers throughout the colder months we wouldn't be able to assist with tackling homelessness in the city.

"It's such a simple way to give. Each supporting restaurant adds a discretionary £1 on to a table's bill, and that full £1 goes directly to a select number of charities in Leeds that support youth homelessness."

StreetSmart's new partners LandAid, helps to make sure that 100 per cent of StreetSmart’s donations are passed onto projects.