HARDY fund-raisers will be forsaking their warm beds to spend a night sleeping rough to raise awareness of and funds for the homeless charity Sash.

They will be swapping their comfy mattresses for the hard pavements of Northallerton on March 2 for one of four Sleepout events taking place in North Yorkshire that month.

Sash works to prevent young people from becoming homeless by offering them a room in the home of a volunteer.

It runs a service known as Nightstop that ensures young people are kept safe at night in an emergency, thanks to a network of volunteer hosts who provide a bed for the night, an evening meal and breakfast the next day.

Northallerton resident and Sleepout participant Helen Fielding said: “We’re delighted with the support we have received so far.

“Local people and councillors will be supporting us, but we are looking for more help with sponsorship and donations from the local community and businesses.

“Another way of showing your support is to join us for breakfast on the Saturday morning – all are welcome and we would love to see you there.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in any way is asked to contact the Sash office on (01904) 652043 or email info@sash-uk.org.uk. More information about SASH and registration forms for the event can be found at sash-uk.org.uk