A brave Marlow resident took to the streets this month to spend a night sleeping rough and raise money to help the homeless.

Sophie Varley, of South Place, Marlow, generated over £1,500 when she took part in charity Centrepoint’s ‘Sleep Out’ night.

And battling the elements, the British Airways worker smashed the target of £1,000 she set for the harsh challenge in Brick Lane, London.

She said: "I slept out overnight in Brick Lane, howling wind and torrential rain but my five layers of clothes and walking boots kept me warm and dry.

"I did get some sleep on the floor with cardboard and a potato sack.

"I have supported Centerpoint for a long time and the work they do is life changing for our most vulnerable young people. The young people they help, have had a rotten start in life which no child deserves.

"Thank you everyone for donating. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family."

Homeless charity, Centrepoint, hopes to raise £500,000 from the event, which saw sleep out events across the country.

Last year, more than 1,000 people took to the streets to sleep out for Centrepoint in chilly temperatures, raising more than £370,000.

Sophie was joined by celebrities including Radio DJ Sara Cox, who also took on the challenge.

The charity says up to 80,000 young people are forced to sleep rough each year.

With winter fast approaching, the money will be used to help house, educate and provide healthcare to those in trouble.

Sophie is the daughter of Michael New, the Marlow-based charity founder awarded an OBE by the Queen in 1999 for his work fighting poverty.