Coalville veterans and supporters slept rough in town under makeshift shelters last weekend - to raise money and awareness of homeless veterans across the country.

The Great Tommy Sleepout is a fundraising challenge designed to support the estimated 6,000 veterans that are experiencing homelessness in the UK right now.

The headquarters was at the Coalville C.A.N offices Memorial Square where the group were allowed to use their car park area to erect their shelters for the night - others slept out at the Clock Tower and were joined throughout the night by fundraisers on a rota basis.

Many local businesses kindly supported the event by donating food, cardboard for the shelters and by sponsoring people to sleep out.

During the day there was a collection in the Belvoir Centre where local people were very generous, adding £1,736 to the £1,600 raised through the Facebook fundraising page.

Julie Smith, who co-organised the event, said: " The majority of those sleeping out were armed forces veterans who wanted to show their support for their homeless brothers and sisters.

"Although we still have no real experience of what it's really like to be homeless we hope our endeavours help to support those who find themselves with nowhere to live.

"The appeal is an annual event run by Royal British Legion Industries who employ veterans and provide centres for those who are homeless in the hope of finding them accommodation and offering support.

"We thank everyone who has donated, the many businesses who have supported us and everyone who took part."

Organisers hope their total will continue to rise as more sponsor money comes in - but, on Monday, the total stood at £3,344 locally and over £300,000 nationally.

The Great Tommy Sleepout national organisers say: "During the month of March, we need you to brave a cold (and potentially wet) night to sleep out under the stars while fundraising for our most vulnerable veterans; whether it be through our virtual challenge or at our live event.

"The challenge doesn't replicate rough sleeping, but it does give you an idea of the situation far too many of the nations heroes find themselves in."