A selection of Preston North End players have taken on Biffa’s Chip And Bin challenge, which is helping to raise awareness of homelessness ahead of The Big PNE Sleep Out next month.

The aim of the game is to score as many points as possible by chipping footballs into a range of bins of varying sizes, with more points awarded for successfully getting the ball into the smaller bins.

Biffa’s bins have been used as a form of shelter for rough sleepers, hence their inclusion in this game with the Sleep Out coming up on Friday 15 November.

With homelessness figures on the rise, the waste management industry is faced with increasing numbers of rough sleepers turning to waste containers as a source of shelter, putting their lives at risk when the waste is collected. Biffa are currently working in partnership with the Chartered Institution of Waste Management and the Open University to undertake research into the issue.

Read more: Rough sleeper tells of what life was like on the streets of Preston

Michael Treadwell, Biffa’s Business Development Manager for the North West, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with The Foxton Centre, Preston North End and Blog Preston to raise funds and support The Big PNE Sleep Out later this year, while promoting the work we do nationally for homeless people.

“We have been and continue to be present and involved in a number of events across the region, with the Biffa Chip And Bin raising funds. Today, we gave Preston North End’s first team players an opportunity to give it a go themselves.”

PNE Community and Education Trust and Biffa, along with Blog Preston, The Foxton Centre and Shout Network, are holding the Sleep Out at Deepdale on Friday 15 November. It is aiming to raise £50,000, which will allow The Foxton Centre to buy and renovate a house in Preston for use by homeless people.

If you don’t fancy sleeping out at Deepdale but want to support the event you can make a donation at The Big PNE Sleep Out appeal page.

And Kate and Ed from Blog Preston will be doing the Sleep Out, you can donate to support them here. We really appreciate your backing!

Read more: Watch as PNE manager Alex Neil backs the Sleep Out

Read more about some of the great people doing the Sleep Out

The Military veterans doing the Sleep Out, the man who has already tripled his fundraising target, the PNE online forum members bedding down, the Preston Labour Group members sleeping out and the businesses from Preston taking part.