A HOMELESS charity will brave the cold to raise awareness of the plight of those sleeping rough.

Staff and supporters of Blackburn’s Nightsafe project will create a ‘cardboard city’ in the town centre as part of an all night sleep out on December 6.

They hope that the event, which was first held before the charity was established in 1990, will raise thousands of pounds to help continue support for young homeless people.

And more people have been invited to take part in the stunt which is set to take place outside the clock tower in King William Street from 9pm to 6am the following morning chief executive Linda Sharratt will be one of six staff swapping their bed for concrete.

She said: “We first started the event as a way to raise money and help people get a better understanding of what it is like to be homeless.

“It’s a really educational experience especially during winter because it allows people to see first hand the conditions faced by those without a home every day.

“And being able to return home to a warm bed and a cooked breakfast afterwards will really make them think about how if they were really homeless this would not be something they could do.

“Instead they would have to face the prospect of more time spent outside before trying to find another safe space to sleep.”

During the night participants will help create a makeshift sleeping space and raise money from passers by.

Last year the charity said that it saw a 12 per cent increase in rough sleepers at its emergency shelter in Railway Road.

722 individuals aged 16 to 24, mainly young men, used the shelter and adjoining day centre whilst more were given supported housing at two bases in Blackburn and Darwen.

Linda said: “We would love as many people as possible to join us to help us raise awareness and funds.

“It would be wonderful if we could match the £12,000 that we raised in 2010 but whatever we raise will be great and will go towards continuing our work.

“Everyone should have a home and we hope that this event will help the young people who use our service.”