Bromley Council is tackling homelessness and saving money by converting a disused care home into temporary accommodation.

The council is investing more than half a million pounds to transform the former Manorfields Care Home, in Avalon Road, into 44 accommodation units.

As part of the council's 'invest to save' principle, the move is hoped to save more than £250,000 each year.

Currently the estimated annual bill to find suitable accommodation for families is more than £5million, after a sharp rise in homelessness.

Bromley Council leader, Councillor Stephen Carr, said: "The growing need for accommodation for homeless families is just one of the pressures on council services."

The decision follows another project, in Mickleham Road in Orpington, which after opening a year ago has provided temporary shelter for more than 60 families.

Subject to planning permission, the site could be up and running by May next year .