Hail and biting winds were not part of the game-plan when two football managers opted to sleep rough on the streets.

In fact some people accused Great Yarmouth Town first team managers Adam Mason and Martyn Sinclair of staging a 'cop out' when they picked a near-May day for their fundraising fixture.

However today during just the first two hours of the effort they faced everything the weather could possibly throw at them with sleet giving way to patches of blue and cold rain to glimpses of sunshine.

From their pitch outside Palmers department store they said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of passing shoppers their buckets boasting a good number notes by 11am leading to hopes they could smash their £2000 target.

The pair are raising money for the Yarmouth-based Anchorage Trust which works to help young people into safe homes and jobs, mainly dealing with those tagged as not in priority need - a rating that can perpetuate homelessness whether on the streets or sofa-surfing.

Mr Mason, who has recently become a trustee, said he was particularly pleased to connect with some genuine homeless people who weren't aware of the trust and were interested in what it could offer.

He said the chap had slept outside at Iceland last night but had taken a leaflet and was keen to know more.

Mr Sinclair said he was really encouraged by the level of support in the town and the community spirit. He also hailed the support of Palmers who had collection buckets in store.

Because of a fixture clash the pair will have to nip off for three hours from 6.30pm - but stand-ins have been arranged so that there is still a presence at the Market Place spot they have made their temporary home.

Tonight Great Yarmouth Town faces a crucial promotion clash with Woodbridge at home at the Wellesley after Saturday's match was postponed.

The club needs four points to move up into the Thurlow Nunn Premier League and join derby rivals Gorleston.

The pair will be at Palmers or handing out leaflets in the town all day and until 8am tomorrow morning.