The first charity sleepout event in more than ten years will take place in Watford this Friday.

Two homelessness charities, the Watford YMCA and Watford New Hope Trust, are hosting the event, which encourages people to sleep outside for one night to raise money for charity.

Between them the two charities house 300 people every night of the year, are hoping the sleepout will raise £2,000 to help provide accommodation for those in need.

Guy Foxell, chief executive of Watford YMCA, said: “The current economic climate means more and more people are becoming homeless and our resources are being stretched.

“We don’t see many people sleeping rough on the streets of Watford these days, but both the YMCA and WNHT urgently need an increase in support in order to keep it that way.”

It is hoped 50 people will take part by sleeping out under the stars in Charter Place.

Rebecca Palmer, community fundraising manager at Watford New Hope Trust said: “Sleeping out in January is definitely not for the faint-hearted. It will be cold and probably wet.

“However, it will provide people with a small glimpse into the lives of those who have no choice but to sleep rough.

“We also hope to have some fun along the way and it will definitely be a memorable night.”

The evening will include games, a Big Brother-style video diary room, and plenty of hot drinks.

Participants will be eligible for a fry-up breakfast served in the YMCA Café on Saturday morning.