The Big Worcester Sleep Out returned last week after a year's Covid-19 enforced absence. 

Around 50 people wrapped up, grabbed their sleeping bags, and turned out at Sixways Stadium on Thursday, October 14 in a bid to end rough sleeping in Worcester. 

Multiple local businesses took part in the event, including A C Event Catering, who ensured everyone was fed by providing free burgers and fries to those who took part.

The team have currently raised over a whopping £14,000 which will be split between St Paul's Hostel, Maggs Day Centre and Worcester Warriors Community Foundation.

Jonathan Sutton, the Chief Executive of St Paul's Hostel in Worcester, said: "2020 was a pretty rough year for us all.

"But 2020 was a year when plenty of people who were at risk of rough sleeping, or indeed were rough sleeping, were got off the streets and rehomed.

"Thank you to everyone who has attended the big sleep out, and to those that have donated and gifted things for us. 

"And please help us lock in those gains we made from 2020 so that we make Worcestershire a place where all forms of homelessness are rare, brief and non-recurring."

A virtual sleepout was also held for the first time this year, giving the chance for families and young children to get involved. 

Around 15 people virtually joined in on Thursday, with plenty more taking part in the 'sleep in to sleep out' event over the weekend. 

There is still time to donate to this year's sleep out - the link for donations will remain open throughout this week as organisers are targeting smashing the £15,000 barrier.

You can donate by clicking on the following link.

To find out more about how you can get involved in the virtual sleep out, visit The Big Worcester Sleep Out's website.