Actor said he wanted clarification after donating to its cause

Actor Michael Sheen has successfully challenged the Salvation Army to state its policy on transgender and gay people.

The Hollywood Star, who took a year off acting in 2017 to focus on promoting the Welsh third sector, faced a twitter storm after encouraging people to donate to the Salvation Army's fund for people flooded out of their homes in Skewen, Neath Port Talbot.

Several people responded claiming the charity discriminated against LGBT people, prompting Sheen to tweet the charity for a response.

He tweeted the charity: "I've donated to the Skewen Temple as they're raising money to help those affected by the recent flooding.

"I've been told trans people can't receive aid from you. Is that true and if so why? Thanks."

He was praised by many followers for asking the questions.

The charity responded: "Thanks so much for your donation.

"We welcome and serve people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, race, religion or ethnicity.

"Anyone who comes to us will be helped, based on their need and our capacity."

The Salvation Army's secretary for communications, Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant said: "It is clear there is some confusion and misinformation circulating about the Salvation Army discriminating against people in the provision of services.

"I restate our firm position that the Salvation Army sees the person and their needs first and foremost.

"Not only do we want to reassure people of our focus, which is to help the most vulnerable people in society regardless of who they are, but we also want to stop misinformation from preventing someone coming forward to us for help."