People braved the cold to sleep 'tough' for 12 hours in a bid to stop you people have to sleep rough.

They gathered on a car park near the town centre in support of the charity Backup North West, which provides support and accommodation to 106 young people at a time organised the event and were overwhelmed at the support and sponsorship.

The event has raised more than £10,000 so far.

The car park saw the “sleepers” set up base on piles of cardboard and sleeping bags.

One or two people 'had the sense' to bring plastic sheets as it started raining.

From 7pm – 7am the group were gathered on the carpark and slept - or tried to - on the tarmac.

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No tents were allowed but sleeping bags and ground sheets were permitted. They were fed and supported by friends at a partner homeless charity, Emmaus Bolton.

Laura Pendlebury, Director at Backup said: "We know this isn’t the same as rough sleeping, we are only here for a night and we all know that we go home in the morning, with access to clean clothing, food and a bed.

"That’s why we say it’s a tough sleep because it is uncomfortable, miserable and cold and this year we were all wet through as well.

"We can never experience what it’s really like for people on the streets. We had four children joining us tonight aged between 10 and 13 years; they slept inside on the office floor but still away from their usual comforts.”

Maura Jackson, Backups CEO said: “This is the ninth time we have done this and it never gets easier.

"The older I get the harder it is. I had one hours sleep and my sleeping bag was soaking so I had to get up and sit around for the remainder of the night. I am still lucky, access to a toilet and hot drinks all night. It’s not a true experience but it was hard. The money we raise though will make sure we can offer emergency beds to young people throughout the winter months. Thank you to the 25 people including four children who took part and everyone who sponsored us.”

The tenth sleepout will take place on October 10, 2025, which is World Homeless Day.

Those wishing to take part should contact Backup.