Winter can be one of the most difficult periods for the hundreds of people sleeping rough across our county.

And an event in two weeks' time aims to highlight just some of the issues homeless people face this time of year.

The Benjamin Foundation's Norwich Sleep Out 2016 challenges individuals to spend one night sleeping outdoors in the city. Money raised from the event, which takes place on Friday, November 11, will go towards supporting vulnerable young adults in Norfolk.

This year, the charity is also encouraging families and individuals to get involved by hosting their own DIY sleep out. It aims to give people the flexibility to do their own challenge, while also helping them to understand the issue of homelessness.

Chris Elliot, marketing and fundraising manager at the Benjamin Foundation, said: 'Our main event won't suit everyone, so it is a way of letting people do their own version when they want to. We are asking people to let us know if they are doing their own sleep out, and if they want to make a donation, they can.'

About 80 people are taking part in this year's main event, making it the biggest the charity has ever run.

But there is still time to sign up, with the foundation hoping to attract 150 people by next month.

The sleep out starts on Friday, November 11, from 7pm through to 7am the following day, in the car park of Marsh, on Queens Road in Norwich. Food will be available during the evening, and people will be able to make themselves hot drinks.

People over the age of 18 can sign up at www.benjaminfoundation.co.uk/sleep-out. Those taking part are required to raise a minimum of £100.

For more information, call the charity on 01603 886933