Hundreds of Cubs slept overnight in a shopping centre to fundraise for charity.

Children from across Maidstone villages stayed in The Mall in Maidstone after the shops all closed, bedding down on the floor for the evening.

Two hundred youngsters from surrounding areas including Barming, Bearsted, Yalding and Sutton Valence took part.

The children, of mixed genders and abilities, slept in shop doorways on the second floor of the shopping centre to raise money for Maidstone Homeless Care.

Event organiser Janice Grant said: “This helps them to understand the challenges of people sleeping rough in Maidstone and is part of their community impact work as a Cub.

“This is a local, visible charity for the Cubs and their families – it’s something they will observe in town so it’s meaningful for them.”

On the top floor of The Mall the charity hosted activities, including learning about how people become homeless and how rough sleepers can be supported.

Using cardboard boxes donated by the surrounding shops, the youngsters also created makeshift beds and homes.

The event, which had been planned for a year, was held in partnership with The Mall and Maidstone Homeless Care.

The group of 8 to 10-year-olds raised more than £1,000.