ARMED with their sleeping bags and cardboard, more than 60 people slept rough in Grimsby for charity.
The third annual YMCA Sleep Easy event has been hailed a huge success.
Fundraisers set up camp on Friday night within the grounds of Shoreline Housing Partnership, in Osborne Street, Grimsby.
Many packed flasks of tea and soup to keep warm while others preferred to add extra layers of clothes on through out the night.
The event was in aid of Harbour Place, CARE, Doorstep and YMCA, organisations that try to raise awareness of homelessness.
It started at 6.30pm on Friday and finished at 6am on Saturday.
Taking part for the first time was Phil Grigg, of Grimsby, who hopes to have raised more than £1,000 for the cause.
The 46-year-old who took part with friends from City Church, in Freeman Street, said: "It's definitely a unique experience.
"I volunteer as a Street Angel on Saturday nights in Cleethorpes and come across homeless people from time to time.
"It is not nice to see them out in the cold trying to settle down for the night.
"I usually speak to them and give them a bit of company and they have inspired me to take part in Sleep Easy.
"I want to do my bit to help so that these people don't have to turn to the streets and they can find the support they need."
Money raised through the event will be split between the four causes, which will use it for research and improving their services.
Last year a total of £28,000 was raised by participants.
North East Lincolnshire Councillor Stephen Beasant took part of the third time. He said: "As councillors we can not be expected to debate or fight for things which we have no experience of.
"This for me gives that glimpse into the lives of someone who is homeless and it spurs me on to try my best as a councillor to help. If by helping it is through raising money during an event like this then so be it. I would encourage others to get involved next year so more awareness can be made."
Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph to find out how much was raised.
