A GROUP of teenagers in Bury had a night under the stars to help local homeless youngsters.

Around 20 young people took their sleeping bags outdoors on Wednesday evening (April 19) and created their own "cardboard city" to experience what it was like to be without a bed for the night.

The sleep-out, organised by youth workers from four youth groups in the borough, was part of a project aimed at tackling the problem of homelessness among young people.

Youth worker and project leader Sarah Hadley said: "One area that my colleagues and I noticed was being grossly ignored within our workplace was the issue of homelessness. "After a number of consultations, we decided to organise a project which would address the issue with young people and also benefit those who are faced with the problem of homelessness."

The teenagers, who belong to youth projects at the Elton Centre, Bridgfield Street and King George's youth club in Radcliffe and groups from the Tottington and Ramsbottom area, were accompanied by youth workers to make the whole experience as realistic as possible.

Youngsters who took part in the sleep-out in Radcliffe were issued with a "rations list."

Sarah said that vital list of rations would come in useful when the group return to make up emergency homeless kits for young people faced with the reality of sleeping rough. "We wanted to do something that would actually help those youngsters who are homeless. The starter kits will contain essential items such as toiletries and convenience or tinned food.

"The group also wanted to add a personal touch and decided to include a hand-written note to the young person offering advice and best wishes," continued Sarah.

The project attracted support from the police and sponsorship from local businesses.

Asda superstore at Pilsworth provided everyone with breakfast after their night sleeping rough.

The project also includes follow up sessions with a variety of guest speakers and the teenagers will be turning their experience into a drama production for the rest of their peers.

Sarah added: "The project will enable us to discuss the issues surrounding homelessness and offer advice, information and support to those who might find themselves in the position of having nowhere to sleep."