STUDENTS in Bournemouth have raised more than £5000 for charity after sleeping rough for one night.

Bournemouth Collegiate School sixth formers took part in the ‘Sleep Easy’ challenge on Friday, November 15 in aid of YMCA Bournemouth.

They spent the night sleeping rough with shelters they had made from cardboard.

Head of sixth form Lucy Beng was incredibly proud of the pupils’ efforts and enthusiasm.

She said: “This was the first time BCS Sixth Form participated in this charitable event and we have raised over £5000, including the gift aid donations - such an incredible achievement.

"The best part was seeing how positive the pupils remained when their shelters fell apart and the temperature dropped, yet they all made it through the night with smiles on their faces.”

Thomas Dowdeswell and Marnie Dodd, two year 12 students who took part in the challenge, said: “It was such a pleasure to be a part of the organisation of the event. The YMCA is a charity that hits close to home for many of us and being able to support such an amazing charity by raising £5000 is unbelievable.

"It was a great experience sleeping like the homeless for only a night but it is a memory we will keep forever.”