Hundreds of people are being asked to brave the cold and sleep rough to raise funds for the YMCA.

The annual Sleep Easy event invites people to spend a night sleeping in a cardboard shelter to raise awareness of homelessness and raise funds for the YMCA.

Organisers hope the event, now in its fifth year, will see more ‘rough sleepers’ than ever turning out to support the charity.

Sarah Ward, fundraising Officer at YMCA London south west, said: "Sleep Easy is a really enjoyable and challenging event, but has a huge impact on people who are not as fortunate as those taking part."

Over the last four years, Sleep Easy has raised almost £65.000 and as many as 500 people have attended the events.

Run in partnership by YMCA London South West, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, Everyday Church and Faith in Action, the event will take place in two locations on January 25 at the Memorial Gardens in Kingston and outside Holy Trinity Church in Wimbledon.

Starting at 7pm, the night long challenge will finish with breakfast at 6am the next morning.

Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s which includes a Sleep Easy beanie hat, hot drinks, soup and breakfast.

Activities including entertainment, games and a shelter building competition will take place throughout the night.

For more information on taking part call 020 8339 7308, email sarahward@ymcalsw.org or visit ymca.org.uk/events/sleepeasy