Churchgoers will sleep out tonight at Maidstone United's Football Club ground to raise money for homeless people in the town.

Volunteers from 18 churches have gathered cardboard and sleeping bags to create shelters in the football club for the Sleep Out event, organised by Maidstone Deanery in partnership with Maidstone Churches Together.

Over £1,600 has so far been raised for Maidstone Winter Shelter and Homeless Care Day Centre in the town.

“The aim of tonight is to raise funds but we also want to raise awareness. This is about churches in the community helping in the community,” said organiser Heather May.

53-year-old Amanda Sidwell, who is sleeping out tonight, said: “I’m dreading it to be honest but this is my home town and it’s my calling as a Christian.

“They want us to experience the real thing as much as we can. We’ve got cardboard to build our own little home, and hats to keep us warm.

“I’ve been volunteering full-time for over a year to help local homeless people,” added Amanda, who hopes to one day open up a charity shop in Maidstone.

To donate click here.