A group of brave volunteers battled the freezing temperatures to take part in a sleepout at the weekend, raising more than £4,000 for a town's homeless population.

The Big Sleep Out for Darwen Foodshare was held in the Rose Garden in Whitehall Park on Saturday, and saw around 25 volunteers, some in their 70s, sleeping outside for one night, to raise awareness of homelessness.

Chair of Darwen Foodshare, Jenny Hearle, said: "Despite the freezing temperatures and the rain, we managed to stay the whole night outside and keep our spirits high with a quiz and a bit of dancing.

"We couldn’t have done it without the help of Neil Mistry from Community Spirit and Majarn Wouda of Whitehall Park Supporters Group who both joined us for the whole night, and of course the support of each other.

"We would like to thank all the volunteers and everyone that sponsored them, we have been overwhelmed with the response.

"We have raised so far over £4,000 and the final figure will be known by the end of November.

"The money will be spent on continuing our food share but also to provide additional support to our guests by offering support groups and other wellbeing services."

Darwen Food Share provides free hot meals, support and friendship for vulnerable adults including homeless, lonely, bereaved, mental health, and people in crisis on a Monday night from 7-8pm at St Peters Church, Darwen.

The Big Sleep Out Just Giving Page will be open until November 30 if anyone wishes to donate.