The move is in response to fears that the homeless were all ex-convicts or drug abusers and claims that they were responsible for anti-social behaviour in the town.

Project workers at Stepping Stones hostel on Church Street, are inviting members of the public to meet residents, look at their work and speak to representatives from the different agencies with which they work.

Project worker Victoria Standring said: "Some people think we just take people in who have been in prison and they are all on drugs. They think they have all been in trouble and they are all no good, but it's not the case.

"It's quite clear people don't understand what we are here for, so we want people to meet everyone and see what we do. Maybe then they would be a bit more tolerant instead of always complaining about us.

"We just want to say come and see for yourself what we do and don't listen to other people. These are people who have had a bad start in life, whose parents have kicked them out. These people need support, but people don't want it near their homes."

Stepping Stones does take in some ex-offenders, but cases are looked into very carefully and people addicted to drugs and alcohol are put on strict rehabilitation programmes, she said.

Mrs Standring added: "We look at each individual case, assess them and if we can work with them we will do. They sign up to a programme of support, have a key worker and have to achieve things while they are here.

"I'm not saying we've not had the odd small anti-social behaviour problem in the past, but it is always dealt with very quickly and it does not run on.

"The general conception is we are the centre of anti-social behaviour in Eastwood, but if you speak to the local police it is just not the case."

Stepping Stones takes in 16-to-25-year-olds and works with different agencies and organisations including the Job Centre and Castle College which offers tutoring in maths and English.

Since Jo Ball became manager of the hostel earlier this year, staff have started going to Eastwood Town Council meetings, Community Action Meetings and community meetings organised and run by the police.

The open day, on Thursday, December 8, will be launched at 4pm by town mayor, Cllr Keith Longdon and runs until 7pm.

Town councillors and local police officers will be guests and there will be a raffle, which will raise money for the staff to take the 12 residents out for a Christmas meal.