A YORK-BASED youth homelessness charity is organising a sleepout in March to help fund its growing workload.

SASH has called on local people and businesses to support the annual sleepout, which will take place on March 14 at The Homestead Park, in Clifton.

Volunteers will have just a sleeping bag and cardboard box to protect them from the elements overnight.

The charity helps vulnerable 16-24 year olds who are suddenly made homeless, providing them with a room in the home of a volunteer and with the support they need to get back on their feet.

In 2013, it offered 1, 260 nights of accommodation through its Nightstop project to young people with nowhere else to go.

All participants in the sleep-out must register in advance via the SASH website at sash-uk.org.uk/how-can-i-help/events/york-sleepout/