SUNDERLAND football club is opening its doors to the homeless and vulnerable this weekend as temperatures drop below freezing across England’s north-east.

The Championship side announced today that it would be “providing a safe and warm environment in the bitter conditions forecast.”

Staff at the club’s Stadium of Light have created a special “warm room” which will include places to sleep, hot food and hot drinks for those in need of shelter.

Pets will also be welcome, the club added, and the warm room will be staffed.

Sunderland said the room would remain open until at least 9am on Monday and possibly beyond, depending on the weather.

The club advised anyone wishing to use the facility to arrive at exit two in the south-west corner of the stadium.

Anyone wishing to make donations of food or clothing should take them to the stadium’s reception desk, which is open from 9am to 5pm today and tomorrow.