VOLUNTEERS will be raising awareness of the dangers of sleeping rough by spending the night in a churchyard where a homeless man was killed.

The group of volunteers, staff and residents of Tees Valley YMCA will bed down in St Cuthbert’s churchyard, in Darlington, to raise awareness of youth homelessness.

The sleep-out, on Friday, January 28, will launch Poverty and Homelessness Action Week.

Thousands of young people under the age of 18 become homeless, which makes them vulnerable to unemployment and dropping out of education.

St Cuthbert’s churchyard was the location of an attack last year in which roughsleeper George Akers, 59, died.

Two 15-year-olds were convicted of his manslaughter and sentenced to sevenand- a-half years’ detention.

Tees Valley YMCA chief executive Graham Gannaway said: “This event provides an ideal opportunity for the community to reclaim the churchyard following the tragic death last year of George Akers.”

Housing manager Jen Younger said: “For every £1 raised, 100 per cent will go directly to providing warm clothes, new bedding, a safe place to stay and life changing activities.”

To become involved or donate, go to events.ymca.org.

uk/sleepeasy or call Miss Younger on 01325-462452