FORMER hostage Terry Waite officially unveiled ambitious plans to create a community home for the homeless in Selby during a ceremony at Bishopthorpe Palace, York.

The £1.25 million project, based at Barlby Farm, near the River Ouse, in Selby, will be North Yorkshire's first Emmaus self-supporting community.

The site, which will feature housing, workshops and offices as well as a shop, will provide a base for 24 people to live, work and make a new start.

Emmaus president Mr Waite, who was held hostage in Beirut for five years, said Emmaus was the best movement of its kind for the homeless.

Speaking to more than 50 guests at the evening hosted by Dr David Hope, the Archbishop of York, Mr Waite compared his position as a hostage to that of the homeless.

He said the "dynamics" of his hostage situation, where he was kept in solitary confinement and forced to sleep on the floor, helped him understand the plight of the homeless.

Speaking about the project he said: "It's a model that works, and not only that but it makes a real contribution to the local community.

"I am absolutely delighted that we are beginning in this part of the world."

Dr David Hope, the Archbishop of York, said the community was a "unique enterprise" that would bring a positive element to the communities in Selby and the surrounding area.

He said: "These communities help make homeless people less dependent on benefits and outside support and gives them self-esteem, confidence and purpose.

"It respects the fundamental dignity of a human person whatever their circumstances."

Emmaus North Yorkshire president John Walker said: "The communities work through a combination of respect and dignity.

"It's not a hand out, these people do not rely on the state. The community will survive or fail on account of its own efforts."

The Barlby Farm complex will house a retail area selling recycled and restored goods such as furniture and household appliances.

It will also provide facilities for local people through a caf and a computer room.

There are nine other Emmaus communities in the UK and 15 more are planned. The first community was set up in Cambridge in 1992.

Updated: 10:09 Wednesday, June 19, 2002