MORE than 150 people gave up their creature comforts and slept out in order to raise money for the city's homeless residents.

They took part in the Big Sleep Out to raise a whopping £25,000 in aid of the Trinity Centre.

The event was held on the grounds of Winchester Cathedral on Friday, May 13.

People gathered at the cathedral from early evening to construct 'cardboard castles' - their makeshift homes for the night.

A host of entertainment was put on for the hardy volunteers including a performance from Winchester A Cappella and Integr8 Dance.

As part of the evening, judges assessed the ‘cardboard castles’ to find the one that was the best made and Shentons Solicitors and Mediators were crowned winners.

Two lucky raffle winners were also taken on a tower tour of the cathedral - enjoying spectacular views across the city.

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Winchester Beacon helped young 'sleepers-out' to decorate cardboard lanterns with glitter to 'light a way out of homelessness'.

Hampshire Chronicle: Dame Esther Rantzen, DBE, reading the bedtime story

Sue McKenna, Trinity’s chief executive said: "After two years of the pandemic, It was wonderful to be back in the Cathedral Close – the Big Sleep Out’s spiritual home!

"There was a wonderful atmosphere – a real mini-festival with music, dance and a wide range of local food stalls. Before everyone bedded down for the night they were treated to a bedtime story read by Dame Esther Rantzen, DBE.

"Over 150 people participated – including families, scout groups and local companies – and have so far raised £25,000 to help our work with homeless and vulnerable people in Winchester.

"We are so grateful to everyone who took part and to our incredible business sponsors and volunteers who made it all happen."

Hampshire Chronicle: Two volunteers in their cardboard shelters

Help Me Stop, an affordable alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre, said: "What can we say about Trinity Winchester's Big Sleep Out? Well, it's fair to say that whilst Help Me Stop won't win any awards for building cardboard shelters, the phenomenal community spirit and kindness blew us away. There's still time to donate to Trinity via our fundraising page: they are the most exceptional charity, who care patiently and consistently, and believe that change is possible.

"It was also marvellous to meet so many exceptional local people from businesses, community services, the cathedral, charities, and the general public too. What a night it was. Trinity, we are inspired by you."

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