STAFF from a bookmakers will brave the cold when they take part in a charity sleep out.

Ladbroke’s annual fundraiser will see eight staff endure their first overnight sleep at Captain Cook Square Shopping Centre in Middlesbrough on Wednesday (March 4) to help raise funds for LICCT (Ladbrokes in the Community Charitable Trust) and contribute to reducing homelessness in the North-East.

Store manager Angie Smith said: “We have been involved in the local Middlesbrough community for quite a long time now, and this year we are hoping for a more successful fundraiser than ever. We are hoping that the people of Middlesbrough will get behind the campaign too - helping continue the battle against homelessness.”

The staff are hoping this will be their most successful fundraiser so far, with a target of £1,000.

Captain Cook Square shopping centre manager Lynn Stainsby said: “We are delighted to have such a fantastic event organised by one of our stores. It’s great to see something a little different being done to raise money for a very well deserved cause, we hope lots of you are able to support this and donate.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so in any of the Ladbrokes stores within Middlesbrough.