More than 120 people took part in the 12th annual Big Snore event to raise awareness of the plight of Mansfield’s homeless as figures showed 40% more people were sleeping rough in the area.

The fundraisers slept out at Mansfield Town Football Club’s One Call Stadium with just cardboard boxes for protection.

Around £20,000 was raised for homelessness charity Framework’s Mansfield appeal, which funds resettlement work with former rough sleepers and helps them into homes of their own.

Framework chief executive Andrew Redfern, who attended the event, said: “It is shocking that more people are sleeping rough in our communities.

“I was heartened to see so many people, especially so many young people, taking part in this event.”
Among the groups at the sleep-out were St Philip Neri School, Mansfield, and 1st Forest Town Scout Group (pictured).

Free food was provided by gluten-free specialists No.G and music by the DH Lawrence & The Vaudeville Skiffle Show.