PEOPLE across the area are being challenged to sleep rough for the night to raise awareness of local poverty and homelessness.

Volunteers are asked to give up their home comforts to take part in the fourth Big Tees Sleepout outside Middlesbrough College on Friday, November 21.

Three previous Big Tees Sleepouts have helped raise about £35,000 for local people in desperate need.

Organisers Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation are raising funds for a range of local homeless charities and food banks, include Middlesbrough Homeless and Recovery League, the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal and the Stockton-based Moses Project that puts on Christmas Day lunch for addicts, homeless people and struggling families.

Joanna Wake, owner of Raw Marketing Company, has again joined forces with Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation to organise the event.

She said: “The Big Tees Sleepout is an amazing experience that acts as a real eye-opener of what it’s like to sleep on the street.

“We've seen first-hand the difference the funds raised at the sleepouts can make to those in desperate need.”

To take part, participants are asked to sign up, raise as much money in sponsorship as possible and then turn up at Middlesbrough College at 8pm on Friday, November 21.

Those taking part are advised to bring a sleeping bag and to wear layers of warm clothes including hats, scarves and gloves.

Hot and cold drinks will be provided, as well as overnight toilet facilities.

To sign up, visit www.bigteessidesleepout.co.uk and start fundraising via the justgiving link. Participants must be aged over 16 and must register online in advance.