THOUSANDS of pounds have been promised as a result of the annual Sleepout at St Albans Abbey.

Among those who spent a cold night under the stars were the Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Eileen Harris, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Julie Bell.

They joined hundreds of people sleeping outside St Albans Abbey on Friday to raise awareness of homelessness.

The Mayor and her deputy were raising money for Centre 33, one of the Mayor’s charities, but among others that benefited with Open Door and Emmaus, both in St Albans.

The Mayor said: “It was an extremely cold night and the experience of sleeping outside on the ground really brought home the plight of the homeless. I would like to thank everyone who supported this event in any way, not forgetting the Mothers’ Union volunteers who provided hot drinks and soup throughout the night.

“I am especially grateful to everybody who has given money to these nine local charities who do such a worthwhile job.”

Brian Peyton, chair of Sleepout said: “We are very grateful that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of St Albans joined nearly 300 people at Sleepout and were among a number of public figures from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire who came to support this annual event at the Abbey.

“I know everyone really appreciated them joining in this event, which helps to raise much-needed funds and awareness of homelessness. At this stage over �30,000 has been promised.”