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Norwich Sleep Out the biggest yet as 114 people brave the elements for charity
People taking part in the Norwich Sleep Out 2016 - Credit: Archant
A city car park was filled with more than 100 people sleeping rough for the night to raise awareness about homelessness.
People taking part in the Norwich Sleep Out 2016 - Credit: Archant
The Norwich Sleep Out saw the young and old brave the elements to experience some of the hardships faced by those without a home.
And with little more than a sleeping bag for comfort, it proved to be an eye-opening experience for the 114 people taking part.
Tina Maguire, 60, from Mundesley, said: 'It highlights the problems and does make you realise what it must be like for someone sleeping rough.
'I was very aware that had I have been on my own during the night, I would have been very scared.'
The challenge was organised by the Benjamin Foundation, and took place at Marsh car park, on Queens Road, last night.
It was the biggest sleep out event the charity had ever organised, and money raised will go towards its work with vulnerable young adults across Norfolk.
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People were advised to bring multiple layers of clothing and waterproofs as temperatures were expected to drop to 3C overnight.
Many laid down cardboard on the asphalt before attempting to get a night's sleep inside their sleeping bags.
But the low temperatures and noise from the city on a Friday night made it difficult for some.
UEA international development student Josie Ball, 19, took part in the event with her friend Amber Martin, 22.
She said: 'It is important to give back to the community and I don't think people appreciate how much homeless people go through.'
Tony Ing, chief executive of the Benjamin Foundation, said the charity would be organising another sleep out event in 2017.
To take part in your own sleep out to raise money for the charity, visit benjaminfoundation.co.uk/sleep-out
