The cream of Weymouth's music scene will come together to play a benefit gig for homeless charities this Saturday.

Gimme Shelter is a day and night-long festival that will see popular bands including Komakino, The Surfin' Birds, Sukelele and The Undecided entertain from 1pm-1am across two stages.

The bash is being held at the Wyke Smugglers on Portland Road, where face painting and a hog roast will add to the party atmosphere.

Entry costs £6 with all proceeds going to local homeless charities.

Organiser and musician Paul Sharod said he came up with the idea after being moved by the growing number of rough sleepers in the town.

He said: "I was walking home from the station one evening and counted 22 people sleeping rough on the short journey. I ended up making them cups of tea and having a chat about some of the issues they face.

"The experience stayed with me and I knew I had to help in some way.

"By coincidence I later ended up in conversation with fellow musician Martin Saint - it turned out he'd been thinking along the same lines of holding a fundraising gig, so we decided to set up a proper festival."

Martin Saint, who works for a housing advice service in St Mary Street, said he was motivated to take action after observing the barriers between homeless people and accommodation.

He said: "It costs around £1200 to move into private rented housing - for many people that's an impossibility.

"The money we raise will help local homeless charities fund deposits and support people into accommodation."

He added: "Weymouth is firmly in the grip of the current housing crisis - homelessness is becoming reality for too many people but unfortunately there are some unhelpful attitudes out there.

"The festival aims to counter that stigma and give those who want to help a way to make a difference.

"Gimme Shelter is something we really believe in and I think that comes through - there's always a 'feel good' atmosphere."

So far the pair have donated around £5000 to local homeless charities. Mr Sharod said they aim to raise between £2000-£3000 at Saturday's event, as well as collecting food and clothing donations.

"If you're affected by the sight of people sleeping rough but don't know the best way to help - this is your opportunity, as well as being a chance to see some of the best music Weymouth has to offer", he added.

For more information find the event page, 'Gimme Shelter 4', on Facebook.