A mass ‘sleeping rough’ event took place at Queens Park in Crewe on Thursday night to raise awareness.

Twenty people took part with representatives from the Children’s Society, Cheshire Police and Cheshire East Council including social workers, youth offending team members and The Brooks Children's Centre staff members.

It is the second year running that the ‘sleep out’ has been held at Queens Park and twice as many people took part this year. Participants could bring a sleeping bag along with materials to build a shelter, such as a tarpaulin, string and cardboard.

The event is part of a calendar of events to recognise children’s rights during November Children’s Rights Month. This is an initiative of the Cheshire East Participation Network, a partnership of all agencies and services who work with children and young people, and is coordinated by The Children’s Society.

Amanda Greenwood, The Children's Society’s Cheshire participation services coordinator, said: "This event will highlight every child's right to have a safe place to live and a safe home. We are trying to emphasise the stresses and difficulties of children and young people who have to sleep rough. All proceeds from this event will go to the BBC's Children In Need appeal."