Five of the group are pictured sleeping out: From right to left: Keeley Bingham, Stephanie Jones, Shakira Browne, Tjay Morley and Kim Horton

Six friends from Preston spent a night on the streets of the city to see what it’s like for the homeless.

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Last Friday night (2 December) Stephanie Jones was joined by five others to sleep out.

They took up a pitch under Preston Markets and have raised nearly £1,000 for The Foxton Centre for their efforts.

Sleeping out from 10pm until 6am they were awoken by the market traders setting up their stalls.

Helping the homess

Stephanie said: “It was an eye-opening experience and very humbling.

“It was very cold and even as a group of six we felt quite vulnerable.

“It is saddening that to some people that is their life each night.

“I felt extremely lucky to be able to go back to a nice warm home and bed, a luxury many don’t ave.

“I’m so grateful for every person and business that has got involved.

“Hopefully with the money raised we can make some of Preston’s homeless warmer this year.”

Read more: Don’t give to the homeless on the city’s streets says new campaign

As well as the sleepout then Stephanie is creating packs of food, clothes and treats to be handed out to the city’s homeless just before Christmas.

How you can help

You can leave a donation on Stephanie’s Justgiving page. If you want to donate items directly you can contact Stephanie through Facebook.

You can also take items to the Plungington Community Centre on Sunday 11 December between 2pm and 4pm.