Harrogate is staging it’s first-ever Big Sleepout to raise funds for the homeless.

The inaugural event on Thursday October 3 takes place at Harrogate Rugby Club on Rudding Lane.

Businesses taking part include Harrogate Spring water and Bellzona.

The event is similar to the York CEO Sleep-out, which takes place every April in the LNER Community Stadium.

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The sleep-out under the stars featuring bosses and their staff aims to raise awareness and funds for the Harrogate Homeless Project.

Richard Cooper, CEO of Harrogate Homeless Project, said: “While many outsiders may see Harrogate as a prosperous place, the reality is that like any town in this country, it is home to people who do not have a secure home.

“Our purpose as a charity is to provide people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.

“We do this via initiatives including the Springboard Day Centre, our No Second Night Out emergency overnight accommodation and our Bower Street hostel.

“The Big Harrogate Sleepout is a great way for us to raise funds to keep these vital projects going as well as raising awareness of the issue of homelessness and insecure accommodation.”

Harrogate Spring Water operation director Ian Swann will also be sleeping out.

Ian said: “We're proud to be supporting the Harrogate Homeless Project , which does such excellent work in the community.

"We’ve previously helped to raise funds for the project via initiatives including sales of festive cocktails around Christmas time so when we heard about the Big Harrogate Sleepout, we knew we had to get involved.

“Homelessness is a pressing issue and events like the Big Harrogate Sleepout allow us to come together with other businesses to make a meaningful difference.”

Richard Cooper added: “We're thrilled to have the support of Harrogate Rugby Club, Harrogate Spring Water and all the other businesses who are taking part in our first Big Harrogate Sleepout.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Harrogate, and we're grateful for the commitment of local businesses and leaders.”

The Big Harrogate Sleepout is an invite-only event, but individuals and businesses can show their support by making monetary donations or providing in-kind contributions.

For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, go to the Harrogate Homeless Project's website: https://www.harrogate-homeless-project.org.uk/