Residents and councillors in Dartford braced themselves for freezing temperatures last Friday as they slept outside to raise money for the homeless.

More than 20 people took part in the YMCA event which coincided with the arrival of the 'Mini Beast from the East', including council leader Jeremy Kite.

Participants went to Dartford Central Park at 7pm on Friday evening armed with their sleeping bags and plenty of warm clothes.

They were given a cardboard box to sleep on and were encouraged to decorate it throughout the night. Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Rosanna Currans, judged the entries.

Participant Aleesha, who took part with her teenage son, said: “I only slept out for one night and with food in my belly and access to WC facilities. How people live like this day after day is beyond belief.

“During the night my sleeping bag zip broke. It was freezing; the wind, rain and sleet was relentless. The floor was damp and we couldn’t get in a good position to sleep.”

“We were never going give up though; I signed up and was determined to see it through. I finally slept from around 4 till 6 am.

“Not an experience I want to do on a daily basis but I am glad we did; we met some amazing people and made a difference to the YMCA and homeless people."

Participants have raised a total of almost £3000 for young and vulnerable people at risk of homelessness in Thamesmead.