Rough sleeping charity drive sees people giving up their warm beds for the pavement

Charity Methodist Action has organised a sleep out on the Flag Market overnight on September 8 to raise awareness of homelessness in the area, with every person taking part raising a minimum of £50 each going towards the charity’s Fox Street Community centre – a 24-hour supported accommodation that helps the most vulnerable in Preston.

Sarah Carrick from Methodist Action said: “A lot of people have shown interest already. We want to make it as big as we possibly can.”

A similar event took place last year, which saw former city mayor Coun Brian Rollo and mayoress Trisha Rollo take part.

This year the leader of Preston Council, Coun Matthew Brown, will be taking part.

Coun Brown said: “I am happy to take part in the sleep out for 2018 Sleep Out for Fox Street.

"It is important as elected representatives to show solidarity with those who are currently less fortunate as well as raise funds for an excellent service backed by committed staff and volunteers.”

A charity spokesman said the money “gave [the homeless] a place of safety and security”.

Hot drinks, cardboard and toilet facilities will be available on the night and the event will run from 8pm to 8am.

To take part, contact Sarah Carrick at [email protected]. You must be over 18 to participate.