Dedicated supporters of a Wycombe homeless charity will brave the cold for a night to raise money and awareness of sleeping rough this winter.

About 50 people have signed up to take part in a sponsored Sleepout event, which takes place in Eden Shopping Centre on Saturday.

All money raised will go to the Wycombe Homeless Connection.

The town’s MP, Steve Baker, who has been volunteering for the charity for six years, is taking part.

The Conservative representative said: “Across our country and for too long, too many people have been trapped in cycles of addiction, debt, family breakdown, worklessness and educational failure.

“Too often, one or more of these factors will lead people onto the streets, homeless. Wycombe Homeless Connection does a superb job in helping people to rebuild their lives and I am very glad to support them.”

The charity, based in Castle Street, helps about 300 people every year who face housing crisis.

By offering their weekday advice and support drop-in service, as well as their January to March night shelter in local churches, Wycombe Homeless Connection provides what they dub “Wycombe’s fourth emergency service”.

Mike Clare, founder of Dreams and The Clare Foundation, will also be taking to the streets in support of the charity.

Mr Clare said: “I’m swapping my mattress for a cardboard box in a bid to raise awareness for those who don’t have somewhere to call home this winter.”

Volunteers, although permitted to bring sleeping bags, will be provided with only a cardboard box to protect them from the bitter chills of winter, giving them a short but very real experience of the harsh conditions faced by those living on the streets.

Sheena Dykes, the chair of trustees, said: “Some of the folk we see have slept rough for some time.

“It’s impossible to get warm or comfortable out there and some of our guests have also faced abuse or violence when simply trying to get some rest.

“One night out really makes you appreciate a comfortable bed and a hot shower in the morning.”

To support Wycombe Homeless Connection and the Big Sleepout event, you can text a gift of £2, £5 or £10 to 70070 using WHC’s code, for example: WYHC08 £5 (WYHC zero eight).

It’s free and gift-aidable. To find out more about Wycombe Homeless Connection and other ways in which you can help, visit www.wyhoc.org.uk