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YOUNG people braved rain and cold and slept on Sidmouth seafront to raise more than �580 for a charity for the homeless.

Eight teenage members of Sidmouth Youth Council swapped their beds for cardboard boxes on the Esplanade from 7pm to 7am last Friday and Saturday.

Jamie-Rose Clayden, 17, chairman of the youth council, told the Herald: “We all lasted the 12 hours and no-one went home. I was really proud of everyone.

“We did get soaking wet at 3am but we powered through.

“It was really cold and it made us realise how we would hate to be on the streets every night - and how much the work Nightstop does really helps young people.”

The charity provides emergency temporary accommodation for homeless young people between the ages of 16 and 25 in the homes of trained volunteer hosts.

The youngsters’ cash haul included more than �500 in sponsorship and �80 from passers-by during the sleep out.

Jamie added: “The support was great from those that saw us, and they all said we were mad!

“Realising we had 12 hours to kill, we started by setting up our boxes, once that was done we got bored so decorated them.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes popped down to show his support and brought the teens a box of chocolates to keep them going.

“They didn’t last long,” said Jamie. “St John Ambulance were great - staying with us the whole night to make sure we were all okay.

“We are really happy with how much we managed to raise but the final total is yet to be confirmed.”

Youth council members who took part in the sleep out were Jamie, Nick Gidely, 13, Alfie Weaver, 15, Ryan Prouse, 16, Hayley Evis, 17, Abi James, 17, Hannah Glanville, 17, and Layla Templeman, 18.