A CHARITY sleep-out in a town centre is being backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council tonight.

Homeless young people charity Nightsafe is celebrating its 27th anniversary by holding a mass sleep-out to raise awareness of their work while helping to raise money for its projects.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive member for regeneration, said: "It’s down to the efforts of charities like Nightsafe and others in the borough that we can help ensure we are always going to have good support for people who really need it.

"The fact that 116 local people are prepared to put up with a very cold night sleeping on the streets shows the collective sense of compassion in the borough for the less fortunate members of our local community and is a great example of why Blackburn with Darwen is such a great place to live.

"Donating direct to charities that provide support for our most vulnerable people is the best way to ensure charities like Nightsafe can continue the work they do to give those most in need the right help."

The sleep out will be held tonight in the town centre, near to the clock tower on King William Street, from 9pm to 6am the following morning.