THE WORLD'S biggest sleeping bag was unfurled yesterday - ahead of a sleepout event at Bradford Bulls' stadium in aid of two charities.

Shipley-based youth homelessness organisation Centrepoint has teamed up with the rugby club's foundation to raise money towards their two causes.

The charity and the Bulls are hoping at least 200 people will join them for a sleepout on November 6 in the Provident Stand at Odsal.

Bulls' chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul, who donned pyjamas and a pink dressing gown before hopping into the bag yesterday, is taking part in the sleepout alongside 21 Bulls players.

He said: "I am hoping to see as many Bulls supporters as possible joining in for what promises to be a great event, designed to raise vital funds for the fantastic work being done by both Centrepoint and the Bradford Bulls Foundation.”

He added: "We are also highlighting that it could happen to anyone, with young people finding themselves in a situation where they have to sleep rough.

"It is important as a professional sports organisation that is at the hub of the community, and has a chance to reach into the community, that we help publicise that our people and our kids are having to sleep rough.

"We have a responsibility."

Faye Edmondson, Centrepoint regional fundraising manager, said: “The sleeping bag is huge, but it’s sobering to think that barely a fraction of the 80,000 young people who find themselves homeless each year would fit in it.

“Sleepout can never replicate the fear and uncertainty 20,000 homeless young people will face this Christmas. But hopefully the event will draw attention to the dangers they face. We know homeless young people are twice as likely to die as their peers, which is why we urgently need help to get them off the streets."

Becky Tray, 21, received help from Centrepoint. She said: "I think they are amazing. When you are homeless you think you have no-one.

"When someone says there are people out there that want to help, you feel wanted and welcome. Centrepoint has made a big difference."

The sleeping bag - which measures 20 metres by nine metres, weighs 80kg, and has a full-length zip - was made by Silsden firm Snugpak.

Lynda Thompson sewed the bag together, which she says took between 25 and 30 hours. She added: "I am quite protective of it. This is the biggest sample I have ever had to do."

Money raised by the sleepout will be divided equally between Centrepoint, which works with more than 300 vulnerable 16-25 year-olds in the Bradford area, and the Bulls Foundation, which uses sport to educate, motivate and inspire the local community.

To take part in the sleepout, visit www.sleep-out.org.uk. Registration is £25 and participants are encouraged to raise £250.