Organisers of a sleepout in Bradford to focus attention on the plight of the homeless hope to double their efforts next year and get 100 people sleeping on the streets.

This month a total of 55 businessmen were out on the streets to support the homeless for the ‘Suits on the Streets’ initiative.

Charity Inn Churches joined the businessmen at the arches near Forster Square railway station from 6pm to 6am for the sleepout, on October 12.

It was a chance for the charity to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless and also for businessmen and women to understand how tough life is on the streets as winter approaches.

Bradford restaurant Prashad provided food for the participants and fundraiser Andy McMenemy, who ran 66 ultra-marathons in 66 days, was also involved.

The team behind the event aims eventually to raise £8,000, last year’s total.

Gemma Harwood, one of the event co-ordinators, said that the event was a success, with many people vowing to join in again next year. Among organisations taking part were the Co-op, Keepmoat Homes, Experian and Accent Housing.

Miss Harwood said: “We have raised about £3,000 so far and will be leaving the fundraising page open because from previous experience we know that people still want to give. People were still giving last year two to three months after the sleepout.

“We had 55 people in the end and the whole event was really, really interesting.

“As well as the 55 ‘suits’, we also had up to 40 rough sleepers who were in the area under the arches where we were sleeping.

“People spoke to them all night and had some really interesting experiences from that.

“Our suits were talking to people on the night huddled round the fire.

“This was our second year and we are definitely doing it next year and we want to get so many people involved.

“It is about raising people’s awareness of what it feels like and by putting them in that vulnerable position and seeing how they react to it.” To donate, contact innchurches.co.uk.