CHARITABLE school pupils are set to brave a chilly night out sleeping rough so other young people don’t have to.

Shoebury High School pupils are going to sleep in the school grounds in Caulfield Road, Shoebury, with only sleeping bags and cardboard boxes for protection to raise cash for Southend YMCA on Friday, October 17.

So far, 68 year 12 and 13 pupils have signed up in aid of the charity, which helps young people in Southend at risk of homelessness.

Tom Moulton, who is co-ordinating the fundraiser for Southend YMCA, said: “We are incredibly moved by the support we’ve received from our community and students from Shoebury High School have been a testament to this goodwill.”

The event is the latest of a series of sleep outs, which have so far seen Girl Guides, youth groups and churchgoers sleep rough for the charity.

Cash from sleep out events at the YMCA’s sheltered flats in Ambleside Drive, Southchurch, has helped pay for new flats for vulnerable young people in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.

Mr Moulton said: “With many fundraising events, you never truly get to see what your hard work goes towards, but with sleep outs they can see something physical, bricks and mortar, leaving a lasting legacy in the formof new housing for truly vulnerable young people.”

To hold a sleep out event, call Tom on 01702 301301 or visit fund raising@southendy mca.org.uk