Ludlow sleep-out charity challenge raises £25,000
More than £25,000 has been raised for homeless charities after more than 70 people spent a night under the stars.
The event was held in Ludlow and organisers Ludlow Rotary Club said it had been massively successful and raised awareness.
It is believed to be the largest amount of cash ever raised from a single charity event in the town.
John Howick, from the Rotary club, said: "People have come up to me and told me they had not thought homelessness was a Ludlow issue but having thought about it they realise that it is. For me this is the key thing to come from what we have done.
"We know this was not for real and the weather was kind but, just before dawn, there was a shower of rain and people realised that if it had been heavier, with a wind it would have been very uncomfortable."
The money will be split between Ludlow Foyer and Food Bank, and the charities Barnardo's and St Basil's.
John Aitken, a former mayor of Ludlow who took part by sleeping in a box, said just because Ludlow's arches and alleyways were not packed with rough sleepers it did not mean it was not a problem for the town.
"My work with The Foyer, which provides a roof over the heads of young people who would otherwise be without a home, tells me that homelessness is a real issue," he added.
"This is manifested in a small army of "sofa surfers" who cadge a bed with friends while other young people get driven to larger towns and cities where they join communities of people who have no choice but to sleep rough."
Also taking part on the night, which was held in the grounds of Ludlow College on Friday, were the town mayor Jim Smithers and one of Ludlow's Shropshire councillors Viv Parry.
