RESIDENTS of a North-East town are being invited to spend a night out in the cold.

Crowds of people are expected to set up camp in Darlington’s St Cuthbert’s Church yard on Friday, March 21.

The Sleep Easy event, hosted by Tees Valley YMCA, challenges participants to spend the night in a cardboard box in a bid to raise awareness of homelessness in the area.

The annual event, now in its fourth year, will also raise funds for the YMCA, which provides support for young homeless people in the form of supported accommodation.

Sleep Easy will see people give up their bed from 7pm until 7am sleeping rough in the church yard.

Light relief will be provided in the form of team activities and competitions for the best decorated box and most elaborate sleeping structure.

For more information or to support the event, contact Steve Shelton by emailing sshelton@ymcateesvalley.org.uk or call 01325-462452.

To make a donation, visit localgiving.com/charity/teesvalleyymca.