Hundreds of people camped out in falling temperatures at the annual sleep-out to raise money for the homeless.

More than 330 sleepers laid out their sleeping bags at St Albans Cathedral last Friday, December 2, as part of the event.

Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Frances Leonard, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gill Clark, also braved the cold weather to help raise money for 11 homeless charities across Herts and Beds.

St Albans-based charities, Open Door, Centre 33 and Emmaus were involved in the event, which offers an insight into what it’s like to be homeless.

The crypt of the cathedral was also turned into a cafe to provide the campers with hot refreshments throughout the night.

Sleepout coordinator, Brian Peyton, said: “The atmosphere was a happy one, as always at the sleepout.

“The weather was kinder than usual with temperatures at around five degrees Celsius at midnight as sleepers bedded down but falling to around two degrees in the middle of the night.”

Brian added: “We can never forecast the amount that the sleepers will raise in sponsorship, but going on past performance, our supporters are very generous and so we are hoping for another bumper figure.”

For more information or to donate visit: www.abbeysleepout.org.